Recession-Proof Your Job

Feb 25th, 2009 | By Bill | Category: Employment News



With the economy in its current state, and companies from around the world either closing their doors or laying off major sections of their workforce, you may find yourself looking for signs you’re about to be laid off and wondering whether you might be next. If that’s the case, your fears aren’t misplaced: After all, over 2.6 million U.S. workers lost their jobs last year. However, it’s important that you don’t panic or jump ship prematurely. Instead, follow these four tips on how to recession-proof your job and ensure your livelihood during these trying times.

Keep a positive attitude

The uncertainty that comes with a recession can make your professional life particularly stressful, but it’s crucial that you remain upbeat whenever you’re at the office. Employers often spare solution-minded staff members when culling their workforce, so gaining a reputation as a morale booster is a great way to recession-proof your job. Besides, if you keep whining about your occupation, your managers might get the impression they’d be doing you a favor by letting you go.

Because it’s always harder to lay off a friend, you should also make an effort to be personable, and use your networking skills to forge strong social bonds with the people around you. Keep in mind that personality is just as important as productivity when you’re trying to recession-proof your job. After all, with whom would you rather work: the consummate positive thinker or the guy who turns every mild inconvenience into a problem?

Be visible

It’s important that you distinguish yourself from your coworkers if you want to recession-proof your job. You need to ensure that your employer sees you as more than just a number, so try to stand out during meetings by taking an active interest in the issues and making constructive suggestions whenever possible. By the same token, you should never be shy about asking questions or giving praise. Your goal isn’t to present yourself as a blowhard, but rather as a valuable team player.

Also, keep in mind that this is the absolute worst time to take an extended vacation or leave of absence. In fact, you should make a point of coming in early every morning, when your manager is most likely to notice you, and of checking with your colleagues before leaving the office. Employers often make snap judgments under stress, so don’t let your record speak for itself when your presence could say so much more.

Take initiative

The most efficient way to recession-proof your job is to become the type of employee your company would need after downsizing its workforce. As such, you have to be at your absolute best during these trying times, demonstrating your expertise as well as your autonomy. Keep in mind that working long hours is not nearly as impressive as getting the job done quickly and efficiently. Show your employer that you can multitask and prioritize your duties.

By the same token, it’s crucial that you think beyond your individual responsibilities and look at the bigger picture if you want to recession-proof your job. Staff members who can be innovate and think on their feet are a surprisingly rare commodity, so try to find ways your department can reduce expenses, and make sure to volunteer for tasks outside your job description. Demonstrate your value: the more you do for your company, the more indispensable you become.

Seek feedback

Another good way to get noticed and recession-proof your job is to ask for feedback whenever possible. Not only does this put you on your employer’s radar, it also allows you to advertise the quality of your work without having to boast. More importantly, your tracking of your professional development demonstrates that you’re interested in a long-term progression within the company, making you more desirable as an employee than someone with unclear career ambitions.

When actively seeking criticism, you may discover some weaknesses in your job performance. It’s imperative that you improve on these points immediately in order to remain competitive and recession-proof your job. By the same token, you should update your skill sets as soon as possible. Though downsizing is rarely a measure of choice, employers sometimes use layoffs as an excuse to get rid of workers whose professional abilities are obsolete.

Weathering the recession…

These four tips will help you recession-proof your job, but you need to consider the possibility that being the best at what you do may not be enough in these trying times. No occupation is ever truly safe during a recession, which is why you should prepare for any eventuality. As part of your plan B, make sure to pad your savings and contact those in your network most likely to find you a new position should the need arise. It may save your career.

By Dimitri A.C. Ly – courtesy of AskMen.com

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