If you have a job, then I am sure that you consider yourself among the lucky ones. But, in this tough economy, even those who are working are worried about lay-offs, downsizing and the possibilities of losing their jobs and finding themselves joining the ever-growing ranks for the unemployed.
If you are worried about your job security, here are some tips for keeping your sanity and your job during tough times:
- Do your job well – I know that this should go without saying, but if you are unhappy at your job it will show in your job performance. So, do whatever you can to find a way to keep your focus and do your job to the best of your ability. This is the time to step up and show your boss that you are indispensable.
- Don't be a complainer – This just isn't the time to start a campaign for better working conditions or complain about the office temperature or other non-essential things. You don't want to stand out in your supervisor's mind as a difficult employee.
- Keep your boss in the loop – Let your boss know what you are up to. Keep them informed when you finish a major project. Try emailing your boss with weekly updates and progress report. If you don't let them know about your accomplishments, then they may not see how valuable you are to the company.
- Don't get involved in office politics – Gossiping with co-workers is a waste of your time and can make you appear to be unhappy with your job and leave you branded as a troublemaker. Employees who cause trouble or instigate conflict are easiest for management to get rid of when they need to make employment cuts. Instead, channel your energy into keeping an ear out for what is going on with your company. This way, you will see any potential lay-offs coming.
- Volunteer to take on new projects – Showing that you are a team player and one who is willing to go the extra mile to achieve results will make it less likely that your boss will want to let you go.
- Be positive – Even if you don't like your job, this isn't the time for negativity. Do whatever you can to keep a positive attitude.
- Keep your skills current – This is a good time to update your certifications and even get new ones that make sense for your career. Although your employer may not give you a promotion or a raise for it, it will make you more desirable to a new employer. Take the time now to get prepared for a possible job search.
- Keep networking – Building relationships and professional contacts is the name of the game when it comes to job hunting and long term career success. If you haven't taken advantage of social networking sites, now is the time to get on board. Building a strong network within your company and your industry will build your reputation and make it easier to find a new job if you lose the one you have.
- Make a back-up plan – Especially if you know that your employer is in trouble, it is important to create a plan for coping with a potential layoff. Think about your job search strategy and start putting money into a savings account now so that you will be able to get by until you can find a new job.
Let's face it, we all have gone through times when we have to do whatever we can to keep our jobs and do the best work we can, even if we may not want or enjoy doing it. So, even if you aren't happy at your job, working to keep it will allow you the time to continue looking for better opportunities while still getting a paycheck.
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By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.
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