Jan 21 2009
In a Bad Job Market, How Will You Keep YOUR Job?
If you are one of the masses of gainfully employed people, consider yourself lucky. In today’s recessive economy, with job cuts every where you turn, those of us that have jobs should be looking at ways to keep the jobs that we have. That being said, are you now using work time to surf the internet?
Being a good employee means becoming invaluable to your employer. You need your employer to have a reason to keep you, even if it means working long hours for less pay than you think you are worth. Most of us work, but not to our full potential. Let’s face it, we work as hard as we think we should for the money that we are paid. It is time to stop this mindset and start becoming a model employee or all of us will find ourselves blogging for pennies and standing in the unemployment line.
I’d start with thinking hard about what value you add to your agency. Do you contribute to the bottom line? In such a tight economy, employers look at their finances under a microscope and look for cuts wherever they can. If you are not sure whether you contribute financially to your company, you probably don’t and you better get started and making yourself more valuable to your boss quickly.
How can you make yourself an invaluable employee? Start by creating a clear plan. Learn about the needs of your boss and then figure out how you can deliver. Knowing exactly what your boss needs of you takes time and effort. It seems simple, but many employees go through their day oblivious to what their boss really expects of them. When you know what your boss wants, you will be able to do your job well.
In a complex job environment, be as versatile as you can. Offer to help those around you if you find that you are not as busy as your co-workers. Although this advice may go against your “I have my work done I want to blog” attitude, people will remember that you are always willing to help out.
Finding and keeping your job today is not hard. As long as you have marketable skills and are honest about what you can accomplish, you should be able to find gainful employment. You may not find the job of your dreams in today’s recession, but you will be able to pay the bills and keep your head above water.
