The financial meltdown in the United States has started impacting Indian offshoring industry. While companies are busy taking steps to reduce their risks and seek fresh growth avenues to replace their US-centric activity, individuals who are employed in this industry too should consider their options.

And those of you who have reaped the rewards of the booming BPO industry and the fast-growing KPO business, now need to take a few steps backwards and rethink their career strategies. But, before that they should take a spot analysis on their levels of financial security. Here are a few tips to help you tide over tough times...

Stick around with big companies: Does your employer have shallow pockets? Then you need to worry a bit as these companies are more prone to a slowdown than the large companies. So, if you are thinking of a switch-over to a start-up, better re-think for a bit more. The large companies offer you better financial security besides intangibles like better terms for your loans. Of course, there is no surety that a large company cannot go bust... just look at the bloodbath in the US.

A large client-base from US: Do not think that just because your company has very high exposure to US markets, the chances of failure are higher. While there are some that might go down due to the slowdown, others may see a boom in outsourcing. While it is true that the risk element is higher if you are currently working for a US-centric company, check out what the strategy is to beat the bust. If your company is looking to turn India-centric, then you are reasonably safe. For those of you who are in the non-voice segment of the business with US clients, seek Indian options as local firms are doing very well in areas like insurance and telecom. And be warned that a pay cut is within the realms of possibility at this time.

Look closely at job offers: In such difficult times, always look closely at the salary break-up and not the overall package. Be wary of target variable pay or TVP which is a sum disbursed after every year based on parameters that include performances of you as an individual, your department and the profits earned. So, you might just find that the package that you earned at the end of the year was substantially lower than what the offer letter said.

The ESOP gamble: With the stock markets in the sort of tizzy that it is in, going for a stock option may not be the brightest thing for you to do at this point of time. You do not want to be saddled with stock options of a company that is plumbing the depths at the stock market. So, if you are essentially a risk-wary job-seeker, give ESOPs a complete miss.

All is not lost: Do not think that just because the IT-BPO sector has been impacted by the slowdown, the entire edifice is going to come crashing down. Contrary to this, there is a boom in areas like training. So, if you happen to be a trainer of any sort in the ITeS segment, consider assignments across the country initially and if you progress well, it may be that you have found yourself another niche job!

How well trained are you: When saving money is the mantra to stave off disaster, every manager tries to find employees who can multi-task and save the company money in terms of lower resources. What's more, companies are ever-ready to retain staff who can handle multiple roles. So, get those cobwebs off your brain and get back to training. Go in for short duration courses that will make you a more valuable employee in the eyes of your manager. Of course, you need to first identify what your boss and the company is looking for before you go back to the basics!