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Sunday, February 13, 2011

Im Back!

Hello Everyone - Sorry for my absence. Been a crazy time

But Im back. Whats been amazing is that even though I havent posted anything for 2 weeks I have had a recond number of book sales, tuition requests and Resume requests.

Unfortunatelyy due to my busy schedule I havent been able to reply with my usual pace. I am slowly catching up.

So the million dollar question is 'Hows the Market"

The short answer is that its crap! We will see a period of contraction no doubt. Clarksons have closed down their financial services arm for one reason - on markets drop those that arent making money (or eating up cashflow) get the chop. Be that people, departments and even entire companies.

Those that are highly leverage (debt) will be worried at the moment. The GFC drop although painful had very few casualties - for one main reason - the BDI bounced back reasonably quickly. I fear that this downturn could be a little more long lasting. Some scribes saying the market could be flat for 4-5 years.

This is pure crystal ball gazing. NO ONE really knows. The best thing anyone can do is stay positive despite the market. You cant control the market - you can only control the way you react to it. Try and see everything in a positive light - if you lose your job - be thankful that it gives you the chance to find another job NOW. Could be better than losing your job in 6 months time when and if there are more job losses than now.

Im not saying there will be massive job losses - just that restructuring WILL happen. The musical chairs has already begun and people will be looking for security of tenure going forward.

And for those looking to get into the industry - its not all bad. Many companies hire trainees in downturns because they are cheaper.

So heads up everyone - the sun still shines. Egypt and fallen and I predict will rise again bringing a new age of shipping freight rates with them..........and so it goes!

Adios

VS

3 comments:

  1. Hi
    If the companies are going to hire trainees because it is cheaper, would it not be more better for them to hire soomeone with exprecience who can bring business and start making money from day 1, rather than taking a gamble on trainees?

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  2. I think in downturn trainees are still a good bet. What usually happens is that underperforming fatcats get the boot. So yes money makes must be protected and hired but trainees are also a good option to do the stuff that those higher paid underperformers were doing previously.

    cheers
    VS

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi.

    Thank you for your sharing. I am a women, age 27. Now working as a bunker trader. I am insterested in ship broking because it's more international and good paid. But if I switch to ship broking, I wonder if I can get better career development because I am a lady, and I really stuck in bunker since it's boring.

    Do you have any comments?

    Thank you very much.

    SS

    ReplyDelete