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

This is a disturbing fact: we are in one of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Cancellations are felt across the board. Indicators suggest that more is yet to come before the turn-around began.

It's better to face reality than to hide our heads in the sand waiting for a miracle. Now is the time to focus on recession-proof your job to move forward in their careers

One school of thought holds that it is better to keep a low profile in the hope that you will miss when the man with the ax comes around. That is bad coaching career. The truth is, if you do not make a visible contribution to the success of your employer and getting proper credit for your accomplishments, you will be an easy target.

Setting off someone who is quiet is much easier than the pink-slips a person who works hard and has earned visibility and creditability.

Ten-Step Action Plan for career success

Here are 10 steps you can take, starting today, to protect and advance toward your career goals in these difficult times.

1 Find out what's going on with your job, your department, your employer. Stay in the loop, but avoid the fear mongers. Lunch and take a coffee break with colleagues. Careful study of the memos from the boss. Read trade journals.

2 Learn new skills that are in demand in the emerging world of work.

3 Performing above and beyond expectations. Work hard and be seen as working hard.

4 Work on making your boss look good.

5 Do not complain when you are asked to come early and stay late. Be prepared to take on extra work. Volunteer for special assignments. Suggest ways to improve performance and that of your department.

6 Document your accomplishments. Make sure your employer is aware of his good work.

7 Associates with his co-workers who make up-beat, can-do attitude to work.

8 Be prepared to make a move if laid off. Keep your contacts within your organization in your field of work. Learn new skills. Update your resume.

9 Maintain a healthy, positive lifestyles at home and at work.

10 Hang it there. Despite the dark clouds and heavy time will pass. In the meantime, keep your eye on a career that will lead you to success.