Career Advice - 10 Steps to Protect Your Career in Tough Times

It's an unsettling reality: we are in one of the worst economic downturns due to the fact the Outstanding Depression. Layoffs are getting felt across the board. Indicators recommend that a lot more are yet to come just before a turn-around begins.

Far better to face reality than to hide our heads in the sand expecting a miracle. Now's the time to focus on recession-proofing your job so as to move forward on your career path

One school of thought holds that it is greater to maintain a low profile with the hope that you'll be overlooked when the man with the axe comes around. That's bad career coaching. Truth is, if you aren't creating a noticeable contribution to the success of your employer and receiving appropriate credit for your accomplishments, you will be an simple and easy target.

Laying off somebody who is quiet is much simpler than pink-slipping the person who works difficult and has earned visibility and creditability.

Ten-Step Action Plan For Career Success

Here are 10 actions you can take, beginning now, to guard and advance toward your career objectives in these tough times.

1. Know what's going on with your job, your department, your employer. Remain in the loop, but stay away from the fear-mongers. Lunch and take coffee breaks with associates. Cautiously study memos from the boss. Read trade journals.

two. Understand new skills that are in demand in the emerging globe of work.

three. Carry out above and beyond expectations. Function challenging and be observed as working difficult.

four. Function to make your boss look great.

five. Do not complain when you are asked to come in early and remain late. Be ready to take on additional work. Volunteer for special assignments. Suggest approaches to increase your efficiency and that of your department.

6. Document your accomplishments. Make certain your employer is aware of your superior work.

7. Associates oneself with your associates who bring an up-beat, can-do attitude to function.

8. Be ready to make a move if you are laid off. Maintain up your contacts inside your organization and in your field of work. Find out new abilities. Update your resume.

9. Maintain a wholesome, positive life style at home and at function.

10. Hang in there. Despite the dark clouds, these trying times will pass. In the meantime, keep your eye on the career path that will lead you to success.