ECONOMIC RECESSION- SOFTWARE INDUSTRY THEN AND NOW

Recession of 2008-2010 (you may disagree with the time pan) changed how the world was perceived. Strongest of economy felt the heat. Some crumpled and some survived. One of the worst hit sector was software industry (IT industry). In order to survive, the entire software sector underwent radical changes. The term “Cost Cutting”, once found only in management book and managerial talks was now the most dreaded monster. Right from the office boy to software engineer, everyone was aware of what this term meant and the amount of catastrophe it can create. Innumerous relentless mayhems were organized and executed by organizations.

All of a sudden things that were considered the basic requirements or our inherent rights became luxury. At first the number of drinks offered selflessly by the innocent office vending machine was reduced to just tea and coffee (tea or coffee). As the recession intensified, the vending machines itself were removed from the shelf. The place which once was the epitome of gossip now portrayed a much disserted look. Most of the software engineers considered that place as martyrs land.
Next to fall victim of recession was the ever rumbling and rattling printers. Printing the entire book was now an unheard concept. Even single page print outs like train tickets or movie tickets were a rare phenomena. Restriction on vending machine affected just the employees but restriction on printers shook the entire society. Family members, friends now had to go out and get their print outs from local cyber cafes.

Even the air conditioner (AC) and bulbs were not spared. AC off by 6:30 pm (which is like just the start of work for most of the software engineers) and most of the floor gave a spooky look as the most of the bulbs were switched off to cut cost.
Concept of team outing and fun activities were termed as waste of money and time. Add to our misery was the fact that we were now required to stay more time in office without these facilities. Roaming around and taking frequent breaks were sufficient enough to get your name in the list of people to be fired next.
But the glorious days are back. Things are returning to normalcy. Vending machines are again proudly serving the beverages and printers are again rumbling and snoring to the top of their voice all round the clock. We can once again oblige our friends and loved ones by getting free print outs for them. The office gossip has again picked up. The entire floor seems to be bustling with activities (non productive). Floor activities are something that now we look forward to, and team is back in place which used to plan the team outings.