Ways to Stay Employed: Is Your Job Safe?
December 5, 2008 by Cherie Burbach
Filed under Parenting
Everyone I talk to lately is thankful just to have a job (including me!) Which means that many of us are worried about what will happen to those jobs in the upcoming months.
I caught this article on how to Bulletproof Your Job: 4 Ways to Stay Employed. It was interesting, because it gave some advice that other sources aren’t giving. Like: coming in early and stay late, pay attention to your appearance, and become a mentor. In short, present your best possible self.
The article is also realistic in the fact that it says you’ve got to be prepared for whatever may happen. That includes keeping money in the bank and building your network. It today’s world, it seems that no matter how happy you are with your job, you should always be prepared to leave if it comes to that.
I’ve been this way my whole career, but that was mainly because I worked in marketing. A new manager might come in and decide to hire his own entire creative staff, so it didn’t matter if we all worked hard and did a great job. Sometimes things just happened. I’ve seen entire departments get the boot without any prior notice.
Even in freelance writing, I’m never “comfortable.” I’m okay with that, but I wonder if the rest of the workforce is becomming that way too, now.
What do you think? Is your job safe in 2009?
Hi Cherie,
It’s Stephen Viscusi, author of Author of Bulletproof Your Job by Harper Collins. And the tips you mention are from my brand new book.
Listen, here’s something else that people don’t think about. Let’s face it, when people use the word recession, its’ a blank check to fire ANYBODY subjectively today.
Even the meanest boss hates to fire, but it’s easier to fire an employee that you don’t’ know anything about, you don’t like or maybe is just tele-commuting.
When the boss approaches you, (and they always use the same words, “It’s not personal, it’s a numbers thing) challenge the boss and ask what those numbers are. Try and keep your job at all costs! Maybe you’ll works 4 days instead of 5, or take less money.
“Package” or “buyout” are just white-collar words for “You’re fired! Don’t sue me.”
Your readers are welcome to talk to me personally about any career advice. Please visit my website where I will actually re-write resumes and give career advice over the phone.
The Huffington Post refers to the book as “Mommy meets Machiavelli”. Remember, even though unemployment is 7% and may get higher, it’s still important for everyone to recognize that it means 93% of people still do have jobs.
The secret is in my book. Visit http://www.BulletproofYourJob.com
Sadly, somebody will be fired. Better to be the person who didn’t buy my book.
Thanks Cherie, I’m addicted to your blog.
Stephen Viscusi
Author of Bulletproof Your Job by Harper Collins Publishing
http://www.BulletproofYourJob.com
http://www.BulletproofYourResume.com
Stephen@viscusi.com
Hi Stephen! Thanks so much for the comment. And great points!