Career Transitions
Seven Ways to Recession-Proof Your Job
Even in tough economic times, you can take action to protect your job. The worst thing you can do is give up, become panicked about your situation, or paralyzed with fear. So if downsizing is in the cards for your company, pay attention. Below are seven ways to take steps toward becoming the sort of employee that your company would hate to lose.
Think of ways to generate revenues or cut costs
Look for ways to boost efficiency and save a buck that don't require lots of capital to get started.
Be present
Distinguish yourself by being present physically—don't roll in at 10 a.m. or take a three-week vacation to Bermuda. Contribute socially—chat at lunch, spend an extra minute after a meeting to strengthen your social bonds. Remember, it's always harder to lay off a friend.
Take initiative
Don't be the sort of employee who never exceeds the job description. Find out what needs to be done, who needs support, and get in on the action.
Keep your skills fresh
If your office seems to be splitting into people with updated skills and people without them, make sure you're on the right side. Enroll in a training class, pick up some books from the library, or ask a friend to help you refresh your skills.
Stay positive
Personality is just as important as productivity when you're trying to recession-proof your job. After all, would you rather work with the calm, positive, optimist—or the guy who freaks out at every minor problem?
Seek feedback
Asking for feedback does two great things—demonstrates your commitment to long-term progress within the company and illuminates weaknesses that may have eluded you.
Repeat successes
Think back to eureka moments—times when you were most on your game at work—and figure out what worked and why. Once you've recognized the patterns of success, repeat them.
By Liv Gold
Published March 12, 2009
