Illinois Bankruptcy Lawyers Offer Tips for Keeping Your Job in a Recession
An air of fear has permeated workplaces across the country in recent months as rumors of downsizing and layoffs put workers on edge. It's hard not to question your job stability when you see the jobs of family, friends and maybe even co-workers falling like dominoes all around you.
But if you're worried about losing your job, this isn't the time to cower in your cubicle. Layoffs might be likely, but they are not inevitable. While you should still be prepared for the worst-case scenario, don't give up and expect it. If you want your job, be prepared to fight for it.
Get noticed...in a good way
Some of us - maybe women especially - are masters at flying under the radar. We do our job - and we do it well - but we don't shine. I'm guilty as anyone. Left to my natural instincts, I'll share credit with my co-workers, stay quiet in meetings and let my self-consciousness get in the way of asking for a raise. It's something that I've worked hard to overcome my entire career. I think awareness is key. Remind yourself that your boss manages more than just you. If you want her to realize you're an asset, you might have to hit her over the head (figuratively speaking, of course).
Take less vacation time and show up to work early. Suggest some practical ways for the company to save money. Prepare some ideas before a meeting so you'll be confident speaking up. Volunteer to learn new skills or take on new tasks and projects. That said, make sure you don't go overboard and take on more than you can reasonably handle. This isn't just about doing more work - it's about doing quality, on-time work.
And this probably goes without saying, but curb the attitude. Whining and arguing will get you noticed, but not in the way you'd like. When it's time to cut jobs, employers look at two groups - the people they don't notice and the people they don't like.
Meanwhile, keep an eye out
While you hope for the best, prepare for the worst. Update your resume, scan the job boards, sign up for classes to keep your skills fresh, and keep in touch with your networking contacts. Oh, and make sure to do it all on your own time. Remember how we talked about getting noticed - but in a positive way? Well, letting your boss catch you on Monster.com is not a good example.
Last but not least, it's a smart idea to build up an emergency savings, a lump sum that you can live off for a few months while you look for new work. Of course, sometimes circumstances change unexpectedly, before we've had a chance to prepare. Whether it's caused by a layoff, a medical emergency, a divorce, or any other hardship, don't let emergency debt compromise your financial future. Find out for free how bankruptcy can stop foreclosure and put you back in control of your finances with a DebtStoppers one-on-one debt analysis. So you can stop worrying about money and get back to living your life.