How To Keep Your Job In A Tough Economy

In today's uncertain economy, many of us worry about job security.  Millions of Americans have lost their jobs and the ones who are still employed worry if they will soon become a statistic and find themselves on the unemployment line.  There are no guarantees that you won't be the next to get the dreaded pink slip but there are steps you can take to keep your current job and create a more secure work environment for yourself.    

Here are a few tips that can help you keep your job and have some control in the process:

Make Your Contributions Measurable (to the right people) - Employers need to know how you've added to their bottom line.  If you saved them money or increased sales, secured new business with a significant client or put a new system in place, you'll stand out from your colleagues and be of value to the company.  Word travels quickly and you want the people who make the hiring and firing decisions to know they can't live without you.

Be A Team Player - No one likes to work with a difficult employee who complains or is plain lazy.  You don't win a boss' affection if you're high maintenance.  

Go The Extra Mile - Work longer hours to get a project completed on time.  This may feel like a sacrifice to your personal life but you want to be perceived as dedicated and hard working.  If you suffer from "job insecurity", this is not the time to be looked at as a 9-5 employee.  Take on added responsibility even when you're not asked.  The employee who doesn't take initiative and has a less than lack luster attitude, is more likely to be let go.

Grow and Develop New Skills - As a company grows, your employer wants to know you can keep up with their success and the challenges that it brings.  Make your talent and skills be viewed as essential to the company's future growth.  Come crunch time, you're more likely to be considered the greater asset than the employee who is happy with the status quo.

I'll provide more information and tips on how to keep your job (and sanity) in future posts.

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun