Keeping Your Job in Difficult Times

The universal laws of day and night still remain applicable to jobs and careers. No matter how great you enjoy your job, there are times when you an on the edge and have to struggle to keep your job rather than want to shine on it. When your profession or industry is on the decline or when the economy is catching cold, a lot of employees have to sneeze with eyes closed. During such period, employers are more disposed to cutting jobs at a dizzying pace in order to survive and ultimately, it's time for you to focus more on protecting your position within the organization.

With this goal of job preservation in mind, here are some crucial do's and don'ts (rules and guidelines) for helping currently employed workers keep their jobs -- and these techniques can be used both in good times, as well as in bad times.

·         Do your job well. Although this looks simple, that’s the best way to keep your job! No employer will throw away a high-performing employee. Whether you love or hate your job, you have to do it well. Go for training at your personal expense if you think your job is lagging. Consider your attitude and behaviours on the job. This may just be your life saver!

·         Don't stand out for the wrong reasons. This is not a time to display an ‘entitlement’ mentality. As much as reasonably practicable, avoid complaining about any benefits you think your company is not providing. After all is said and done, it is still a benefit and a privilege.

·         Do keep your boss informed of your activities, especially as you finish major projects. If your boss isn't aware of all your accomplishments, it makes it much easier for him or her to see you as expendable when budgets are cut.  Go the extra mile to learn what works for him. Carry him along as much as possible. You may want to open an email folder or task tray for him to ensure no assignment from him or anyone that matters fall off your radar.

·         Don't involve yourself in chattering. It's best to stay as far away from the office side talks as much as it’s safe to do. Gossips don’t pay salaries and it’s much likely that those who talk behind others are always behind and below those they talk about. Don’t be caught in the ‘behind’ game. When management perceives you as disgruntled and unhappy about your work and the workplace, you easily become a target for layoff. But do keep an ear to the ground (local intelligence) so that you are not blindsided by bad news.

·         Do volunteer for new projects or to help complete tasks previously done by others who have already been laid off. Remember that a job is a solution to a problem. Showing your care and concern in helping out find answers to the boggling questions-- even if it makes your job harder and longer -- goes a long way to securing your spot with the organization.

·         Don't be negative -- about anything. Stay optimistic and pay attention to the positive side of things. This is not to say that you should go everywhere laughing and cracking unnecessary jokes but you must avoid conversations that are not progressive and future looking. If you complain about the company and its products or services, what moral justification do you have then to continue drawing salaries from same entity?

·         Do focus on maintaining current skills and certifications -- and obtaining new ones that make sense for your career. Although real value and contributions to the business are much more important than paper certifications, the skills and certifications which may not even be appreciated by your current employer may well be the door opener to your next job. Certifications do bring industry respect as they show that you are current and competent.

·         Don't overtly outshine your team.  In as much as it is important for your boss and all that matters to know of your accomplishment, never do this at the expense of anyone or your team. Make it a duty to always credit your co-workers with reasonable level of intelligence and capacity to contribute to the overall good. Remember that you do not need to bring anyone down to go up. No matter how much you try to keep a baseball under water, it will always come up again and again.

·         Do continue networking -- both within and outside your company. Building relationships is the name of the game in job-hunting and career success. You can build your reputation and better protect your position with a strong internal network. By increasing your network outside the organization, you increase your chances of succeeding in your job-search should you lose your job.

·         Don't forget about developing a back-up plan. It is called plan B or preparing for the rainy day. You can't just go to work and pretend that everything is fine if your employer is in trouble and your industry is shrinking. Develop a plan for dealing with a potential layoff, including a job-search strategy and a savings and budget plan.

·         Do keep an open mind. Deal with your ego. You may be asked to work two jobs or take on responsibilities you never imagined -- or that you know you won't like -- but now is the time to be open to new job duties and responsibilities, especially if it means securing your position for at least the short-term.

·         Don't ask for a promotion or raise. If the organization is struggling and workers are being laid off, you'll look like either a fool or an egomaniac in asking for a promotion or raise.

·         Do become a "company man" or "company woman." Now is the time to arrive to work early and stay late -- and work hard all day long. Face time is especially important, so don't telecommute -- or don't telecommute as often as you did in the past. The more visible you are the better for you and your job.

·         Don't give up. If it appears as though your job is in serious trouble, you may be able to negotiate with your employer to keep your job by working fewer hours, by taking a temporary pay cut, by taking a study leave without pay or by becoming an independent contractor. More companies are now open to these arrangements.

·         Do keep your resume current. While it may be true that an ‘up-to-date’ resume is a sign of lack of proper engagement in current job, this may not be altogether correct in difficult times.  Now is the time to always to keep your resume regularly updated with your most recent accomplishments. It's especially important in times when your current position is not very secure.

·         Don't lose sight of your ball. Keep your eye on your goals. While you may feel stuck in your current job -- with no short-term options for escape -- stay focused on your long-term job and career strategies. While you may need to adjust your timetable, do your best to keep building toward your goals.

·         Do look for opportunities to build your brand -- and possibly land a better job. While you may need to be more conservative about saying how great you are at the office, it's still important to build your brand both within your company and within your profession. Consider writing position papers or other articles for your professional association, developing or enhancing your personal website, and maximizing the use of social networking sites -- all with the idea of strengthening your digital presence. It sure works!

Final Thoughts on Keeping Your Job

Most of us will face times in our lives when we have to maximize our efforts to protect and keep our jobs -- even for jobs that we may not particularly like or enjoy. By following the advice in this article, you'll use proven techniques for helping you fight for your current job while also keeping a foot in the job market so that you are ready to find a better job when the opportunity arises.