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Recession Proofing Your Career
We have all been spooked by the seemingly endless string of job losses, and financial experts warn that those job losses are not expected to end anytime soon. Even if the economy recovers later in the year, many companies will be reluctant to take on new workers until their own bottom lines start to improve. Unemployment is typically the last thing to improve as the economy moves from recession to recovery, so it is more important than ever for workers who are employed to protect themselves and their careers. Fortunately there are some strategies workers can use to make their own jobs vital to the company. While no one strategy is right for everyone, using the techniques outlined below is a great way to recession proof your job while setting yourself up for even greater success. Are You the Go To Guy (or Gal)? Every company has them - that go to person who always seems to get the job done. No matter what the assignment, he or she is willing to go the extra mile to make sure things are done and done right. Sometimes that person is an executive, but just as often the go to guy or gal is an ordinary worker bee who just knows where to find the right resources. Gaining a reputation as the go to guy or girl is a great way to make your job bulletproof. Few organizations can function without these vital resources, and management takes notice when employees routinely go above and beyond the call of duty. So ask yourself - am I the go to person for my department or organization? If not start volunteering for assignments and start making the connections you will need to get those important projects done ahead of schedule. Volunteer Your Time and Your Talent That brings us to another important technique for recession proofing your career. At every company there are those not so fun assignments - the ones nobody wants to take on. If you are willing to take on those unpleasant tasks - and excel at them - you can boost your reputation and help your career. That doesn't mean you have to be the one to clean up the executive washroom or make the coffee every morning. It simply means finding projects that are important to the company as a whole - and to your boss in particular - and volunteering your time, talent and energy. Your boss will appreciate your enthusiasm, and so will the rest of the team. Create Short Term Goals for Yourself When you had your annual review you were probably given a list of goals for the upcoming year, and those goals are important. But it is just as important to challenge yourself with shorter term goals. Get into the habit of making short term goals and sharing them with your boss. As you accomplish each goal let your boss know about it. Your manager will appreciate the planning and talent you are bringing to your job, and that can boost your chances for success in your career. As you plan and accomplish your short term and long term goals it is important to keep your manager in the loop. Not just to toot your own horn but to find out what your manager finds important. Many workers have no idea what their bosses go through every day; simply having that conversation can let you see things from his or her perspective. When you help your boss get his or her job done you make yourself more valuable - and you make your career that much more bulletproof. Keep a Positive Attitude Staying positive can be difficult, especially in bad economic times, but it is important to retain a positive demeanor and attitude on the job. People who are negative all the time are a drag to be around, and this negativity can have a serious impact on the operation of the company. Employee morale - both good and bad - affects the company in a myriad of ways, so keep your attitude upbeat and positive. It is also important to keep your interactions with coworkers positive. While you may not get along with everyone at the office it is important to maintain a professional attitude at all times. If you don't have anything good to say about a coworker just stay neutral. And keep in mind that the person you are badmouthing today may be your team member, or even your supervisor, tomorrow. By using these time tested and proven strategies, you can greatly reduce your chances of a layoff, even in the worst of economies. No matter how bad the economy companies still need qualified, talented and enthusiastic workers to do their jobs. The key is to become that indispensable person- the one the company simply cannot live without. |