Hold on to your horses..
..
2009 is going to be a rough ride.
The unemployment rate will continue to climb; most projections place the national average in the neighborhood of 9 - 10% by the fourth quarter.
Remember - the economy will begin its recovery first.
When it starts to turn, tack on another 12 to 18 months until employment begins to improve.
Not only is it going to get more difficult to find a job, it could get harder to keep the one you've already got.
By no means does this mean you're destined for a pink slip.
But you may need to get more proactive about protecting yourself.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to improve your chances of holding on to your job.
First, and most importantly, don't assume you're irreplaceable.
Very few - if any - are.
Just because you're good at what you do doesn't mean you're safe.
Another assumption made by many which tends to be inaccurate is that the last person hired is the first one fired.
Just because you have seniority does not mean you will avoid being cut.
Companies tend to be more discerning than that - they will do what they can to retain the most valuable employees.
That could be the last guy in the door.
So what's a person to do? Be Your Own Advocate Hard work isn't enough.
It's certainly important, and if you don't produce, you'll be one of the first on the chopping block.
But you need to make sure the people who need to know (i.
e.
your boss, senior management, the people who will decide who stays and who goes) are aware of the contributions you're making.
Be Visible This is a subset to the point above.
Make sure you're seen around the office.
Don't bolt for the door at the stroke of 6pm.
If you telecommute, stop in more often.
Chat with people outside your own department.
Whatever you do, don't hide.
Step Up - and be Flexible Volunteer for a project or take on an extra assignment.
This can be a great method to get some exposure, it can be a good way to ensure you're contributing to the bottom line, and it can be a means to round out your skill set.
If you're worried about the viability of your business unit, try to find a way to get involved with a program or cross functional team that can get you some exposure within another unit inside the company that's in growth mode.
Watch Your Attitude When your company is going through tough times, it's challenging.
The uncertainty is a killer.
It can be difficult to keep your chin up.
Still, constantly complaining about the situation isn't going to do you any good.
You know the guy who's always grumbling about the current state of affairs? Sure you do.
Everybody does.
Including senior management.
Make sure it's not you.
Maintain Your Marketability This isn't just important when you're searching for a new job...
it's equally critical with your current employer.
You should always be taking stock of your key competencies, and doing everything you can to fill in any gaps in your knowledge or experience.
Bottom line? There are no guarantees.
But take some of these steps right now and you'll boost your chances of making it through this recession without losing your job.