| No one wants to think about losing their job, but it happens. In good and bad economic times, it still happens. In good economic times, circumstances and industries change. As technology changes, some businesses no longer have value. They slip into less and less prominence and need along with their product. Consider the typewriter as an example. The typewriter has a long and important history in business and education. It evolved with technology and changed its appearance to accommodate technology and aesthetics. Yet, today the typewriter has all but disappeared. The decline of the typewriter has impacted companies who made them, serviced them, and provided supplies. In addition, this decline has impacted the income and careers of many of those who worked in the typewriter industry. Was it the fault of the employer or the worker that this change in typewriters occurred? No, it was part of the lifecycle of a product. The same has and will occur to other products and services. The service provided by a business may have a reduced value because of public need or perception. The number of people who have the daily newspaper delivered to their home has declined significantly. Individuals still have a need to know the news, but they have chosen to use a new method to obtain this news. In some cases individuals use the Internet to read the news on the local newspaper’s website. Others may chose other websites, or watch a cable news channel. Many individuals now feel they do not have the time to read all of the news in the newspaper. They prefer to obtain the basic news through a faster and more time efficient source. So, it has become rare to see a local “paper boy” delivering the newspaper on his bicycle to neighborhood homes. So, a career change may come to many of us as circumstances change, impacting our future significantly. Any change in our employment impacts our earning potential, income, and thus our personal financial status. In essence, we could lose the ability to afford the lifestyle we have presently. Our homes, cars, and the education plans of our children could come into jeopardy. The wise person grasps this impact and plans ahead to reduce the impact of such a situation, just in case it occurs to them. If it does not happen, you have lost nothing. If it does occur, you have reduced the impact this change can have on your life. First, we need to do all that we can to avoid a lay-off or loss of our job. Perform your present job to the best of your ability. Let your manager see your results. If you are in sales, strive to have the highest sales in your department. If you are a car mechanic, repair cars in a manner that results in happy customers. Companies and managers do not want to lose top performers. Help your company make money. Reduce the costs for the company as much as possible, and increase the money coming into the business. Everything you do should either help the company increase its income or reduce expenses. Maintain a self-sufficient approach to your job. Every employee needs some guidance and help to perform his/her job. Employees who need a minimal amount of input and correction require less of management’s time and resources, enabling the business to operate more efficiently. Present your work in the most professional manner possible. Make as few errors as possible. Review your work carefully to ensure your work appears correct the first time. Maintain the reputation your work is accurate and professional in its appearance. Work the hours needed to perform your job. Meet the deadlines expected, informing your manager if you cannot for some reason. If possible, leave the impression you arrive early and stay later than expected. Work the hours needed to complete your projects on time. This may require arriving early, staying late, and working on an occasional Saturday. Support company policies and plans, or remain silent about them. Employees who grumble and talk negatively about the company with other employees create an atmosphere at work that is counter productive. Negativity breeds more negativity. Negative comments that start about a change in insurance carriers may lead to negative comments about salary rates and other issues. Remain flexible with your work hours. If your company needs you to adapt your work hours, consider it. Remain current with your technology, education, and people skills. If your company has grown beyond what you offer the company, your value and future is lessened. Second, we need to have prepared a safety net or cushion in case a career change or lay-off is forced upon us. Each employee should save the equivalent of three months pay. Saving even a few dollars each pay period, over time, can develop this important reserve. This extra cash can make a difference in your peace of mind, and what can happen to your lifestyle if you lose your job. Unemployment checks cannot replace your present paycheck. Keep your debt ratio as low as possible, in case you do have a change in your earnings. If you have a lot of monthly payments to make, it can make a layoff more intense. Have more than one job or skill set in case your industry or employer experiences economic changes. Often this second skill may have a close proximity to the present manner in which a person earns money. Recessions and a downturn in the business cycle are inevitable. Preparing for the eventuality of a layoff or change in income can reduce the stress, and enable you to wait take advantages of the right opportunities. No one wants to find themselves in a situation where in desperation they must take a job they do not want or need. Follow these steps to minimize the impact and possibility of your losing your job.
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