I have been recently talking to some 1-2 YOE experienced tech people who got recently laid off and uncertain about the future. These 3 things are a must if you are in Tech in today's time.

[1] Emergency fund

- You might need to have a window of 6 month to get another job in today's time if the timings and luck are not on your side, no matter if you are skilled or not.

- If you are experienced, at least 1 year+ YOE, market is still going to get you chances but can take upto 6 months realistically.

- More than 6 months gap on resume is generally frowned upon... so get a job ASAP! Don’t stay in the prep loop forever.

- Try to get a Health Insurance for yourself apart from the one given by companies(Decent ones cost Rs. 500 a month). Life insurance can be done post 3+ YOE.

[2] Decent Savings and Investment

- I don't see Tech as a 20 year career anymore. More like 10 Year if you are not in the 1% of the working professionals (yes, thats what AI has done).

- Switch faster and save money as much as possible. Don't try get into big investments like home/cars (mostly things above 20L) if you are <3 YOE.

- Get you Education loan sorted the first. The start making some sane investments (Arbitrage funds are minimum you should consider, maybe better).

[3] Interview readiness

- Opportunities don't see your prep before coming your way. So be ready at all times with the bare minimums.

- Even if you are in a job and making decent money, a better opportunity or interview call can get scheduled. You will have mostly 2 weeks to prepare on avg.

- You sometimes will have to go on breadth and apply for some roles that might not be 100% aligned. So incase you get a shortlist, you will have to prepare that domain/stack related stuff. Ensure that your general prep for DSA, DEV, Resume and Basic System Design is sorted before hand.

I am not a financial expert, but these are 3 advices alone can take you long way. 

Best of luck if you are reading this and don’t have a job for now. 

May the forces be with you.