Worried about losing your job? Here are 7 tips to avoiding the pink slip.
In this job market, many people are trying desperately to hold onto their jobs. It doesn't matter if you have been working for the same company for 10 years or just 10 months, the fear is still the same. When companies are downsizing, there aren't any clear cut rules and no one's job is completely safe.
If you are worried about getting laid off, there are a few things you can do to make yourself irreplaceable. Instead of letting worry and fear control your actions, find ways to stand out in your job and you'll be less likely to end up out of work.
Here are 7 ways to keep your job:
- Dependability – When things are tough at work, it's really easy to get overwhelmed with negativity and worry. When this happens, your work and attendance can suffer. The problem is, this is the exact time when bosses start looking at which of their employees they can afford to lose. Instead, make yourself stand out by being someone your boss can depend on. This means not calling in unless you are very sick and postponing vacations. Remember that your boss is looking for people who they can depend on to be there every day.
- Enthusiasm – Sometimes it can be really hard to stay passionate about what you do. If you have been feeling burned out and swamped by negativity, look for ways to re-ignite your passion and enthusiasm about what you do.
- Likeability – This is something that is hard to measure and even harder to cultivate. If you are someone who has trouble making friends, this might be the time to try to practice your people skills. It might not be fair, but people who are positive and willing to pitch in and help others are more likeable. When your co-workers and your boss like you, they are less likely to want to get rid of you.
- Corporate culture – Look at the corporate culture and try to align yourself more with the company's values and goals. If you aren't sure what your company's goals are, you should find out. If you can find new ways to improve and further the corporate objectives, you'll stand out as someone it would hurt to lose.
- Handle pressure – As the company starts letting employees go, you'll have to be ready to take on additional tasks in order to pick up the slack. This can add tons of pressure to your work day, but if you can take it in stride and still get the job done, your boss won't want to lose you.
- Positive attitude – When times are tough, it's really easy to let negativity get the better of you. The stress of extra work and dealing with the very real possibility of losing your job can make it hard for even the best of us to stay positive. Make a point to take care of yourself and avoid complaining or reacting from negative emotions. If you let negative thoughts take over, you'll end up heading straight toward a meltdown.
- Be the best – Do your job to the very best of your ability and look for ways to improve your skills. When you stand out as someone who is the best at what they do, the pink slip is easier to avoid.
Remember that these are just tips and while they can help, they can't save every job. Sometimes great employees get laid off just because the company needs to cut corners. It is a sad situation and no one brings it on themselves.
If you end up getting laid off, it doesn't mean that you did something wrong. Even if you find yourself back in the job market, these tips can help you stand out at your next job as well.
Are you worried about getting laid off? What tips do you have for others who are going through this? I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the comment section.
By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for LogisticsJobsiteBlog, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.
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