The Perks of Recession

Sanajay left the Business Desk of our TV Channel two years ago. Though a very well networked, agile journalist, he jointed a real estate firm in Bangalore as partner. We remained in touch, though not regularly, and every time Sanjay spoke to me, he prodded me to find out huge pieces of vacant land in prime locations of Delhi, and convince the owners for distress sale. I should make a handsome “side-money”, he advised. But ill-informed about the realty sector that I am, and lazy to the bones, I could hardly help Sanjay. Or for that reason, myself. It’s another matter that I loved the big chunks of land in Delhi to remain as they are, vacant lots, than being transformed into glitzy malls, or huge condominiums.

About a month ago, Sanjay called me again.

“Can you find me a job in the media?” he enquired.

I knew about the downturn in the economy and fall in real estate prices. I gave a poignant rendering of the speech that I usually give to all my friends and interns these days, about job-cuts at media houses—Times of India, Hindustan Times, Indian Express, et al. I even threw in some astronomical figures to make it more convincing.

Then I wondered if it was too harsh of me to turn down Sanjay. At the end, I asked rather apologetically, “I know the real estate industry is in doldrums. But is it really that bad?”

“Well…actually…it’s not that much,” Sanjay became a little pensive. And then, as if he was sharing a secret with me, he said, “In fact, it suits me so well that last month I lost about 5 kilos.”

As Sanjay ports most of the features of a “very healthy Indian male”, the news was indeed good. Besides, coming from a wealthy family, I knew Sanjay didn’t lose weight because of malnutrition.

“Tell me about it,” I urged.

“It’s like this. Earlier when the real estate sector was booming, I had to work late everyday, visiting the clients and prospects in the evening, discussing the deals over dinners and drinks. Today, I leave office at around six, go for a swim, take a sumptuous evening high tea (he actually said 'high Rum', sounding more like ‘Hai Ram’), and then spend time with my wife and daughter at the Tennis Court. No going to office on Saturdays and Sundays. I am doing a job with this company, you know, so I’ll get the same salary whether I leave office at six or eleven at night!”

“Of course,” I sounded emphatic. “Enjoy the perks of recession, my dear.”