There’s No Security In Job Security

For those of us who are still working despite the increase in unemployment, it is only the grace of God that keeps us employed. There is no way that you can convince me that everyone who has been laid off, deserves to be unemployed. Think about it for a minute.

Many organizations have used this time of economic uncertainty to trim down their organization. There are some people who probably needed to leave for various reasons, but there are those who have been let go who got caught in the web of uncertainty by these organizations and they were let go. For no other reason, but to cut. Job security is an oxymoron. If there ever was security, it is gone today. Even the President of the United States has no job security. He is one decision away from losing his popularity in this country. Why you might ask? Because our patience with our elected officials is thin at best. But I digress.

Those of you who are working a job. One that you like, one that you might even enjoy doing. How do you safeguard your place and position with the organization? I would love to hear what you are doing to maintain goodwill with your employer so that you don’t find yourself out of work in these troubled times.

Here are a few suggestions in case you were wondering:

1. Show up for work every day on time, ready to work
2. Be a valuable contributor to the organization
3. Be a problem solver and not a problem
4. Have a great ATTITUDE
5. Come to the table with a solution
6. Take on more responsibility

That’s a pretty good list, but here’s the thing, with my AWESOME list of recommendations, I still don’t think there is any security that you can bank on to ensure your name doesn’t come up on the next short list. So what’s my point? Why am I even discussing this today? Well, there are a couple of reasons. First, I don’t believe anyone should ever operate from mystery. Whether you are working or not, you better be assessing the situation around you. What’s going on in your organization today? Are people meeting behind closed doors? Do the senior leaders seem to be discussing more ways to cut costs? Is there a freeze on hiring? What’s happening around you in your organization today? Whatever it is, good or bad you must be prepared for a job loss in this economy? Second, there is no security out there today, I don’t care what company you work for or how great you are in the organization. I am not a doomsday person, but I want you to be thinking about what’s next for you in case you find yourself standing outside the office one day in the middle of the day with boxes in your hand heading to the parking lot because you don’t have a job anymore. Preparation for a job seeker is critical to their success in landing a job right now. But preparation is equally prudent for those who are still working. If you are working, remain focused on the job at hand, but have an exit strategy just in case.

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