I think everybody is haunted by the scenario. My company and especially my group is not doing too well. You can see the outer
layer of the group being peeled by the company. I know for sure
that they will get to me in 3-4 months, just exactly the time when
I will get my RFE. I will be the first to hit because my team is
filled with super talented Americans and in these days of
outsourcing I am an easy target especially since I don't have
a GC or citizenship.
Same thing happenned one and half years ago. I lost my job
4 months after I filed my AOS application. Being one of the first
few guys who worked on their product they let me work for
another two months till I completed six months required to use
AC21. Meanwhile I went looking for jobs and manage to find a
similar position paying exactly the same salary. That one was a
tough one.
The next one is going to be even tougher. RFE and layoff will
hit at the same time. Last one year I was having problems
typing as my hand hurt because of too much typing. So much
so that I was thinking of quiting Software Engineering once I got
my green card as I was worried about getting Carpal Tunnel.
So it had become a race of time. Can I get my green card before
I get laid off and become disabled? Can I manage to have my
job till I get an RFE? That is a big question.
So you try to control things that you can when there are too many
variables. I did lot of things to recover from my hand injury. I am
not fully recovered but atleast on way to recovery.
I work hard and try to do everything I can. I be nice to everybody.
My managers, collegues and everyone else that matters. It got
me this job because everybody at my previous organization gave
me tremendous recos and I know my relationships here will help
me get the next one.
I keep checking hotjobs and similar sites. I have told my recruiters
about a timeline when I will be available and they do call me up
sometimes to see if I fit the job.
I just can't leave yet as I am not sure if they are gonna lay me off
this quarter or the next. I have to keep my options open.
I save my money and have a plan B to go back to India if things
go wrong and I think I have good financial investments to cover
me back home.
I keep updating myself with new skills and keep my resume ready
for action. Jobs are few in the market but I know that my previous
boss who has now switched companies too would like to hire me.
I constantly keep in touch with friends to see who is hiring. The
hiring scene is pretty bad but maybe there will be hope a few
months from now.
I try to keep my mind calm and focus on task at hand so I can
my job better. Every single thing except getting depressed helps.
If you have problems ...talk to your spouse or friends. ....that makes it much easier and lessens your stress.
Stay positive and create a positive energy around you. If you are religious then chanting the gayatri mantra 21 times also helps.
You are going to get your green card. Just hang in there.
