© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.
How to keep the job you have
I know this is a lucky question as millions of people are unemployed. But even those who employed, how stable do you feel about keeping your job?
Given so many unknown circumstances, I'm not confident I'll have a job within the next few months. Does anyone else who has a job feel this way? Are you taking any extra steps to really try and prove your role to your boss and others to help keep your job?
Deb Strickland
Digital Marketing | Analytics & Tech Nomad
181
05/19/20 at 11:04PM UTC (Edited)
I've learned long ago that no job is permanent even if you're an incredible worker. There are bigger business problems that result in layoffs, restructuring, etc. that have nothing to do with your skills. You were hired to help the business solve problems and grow. It's about them, not you (though most companies make reasonable effort to make your work life satisfactory).
Having said that, you should strive to work on projects that increase your visibility and show value to those above you. It's called managing up and is very common for those in manager roles but useful for individuals too. I've known several women who started out at my level and quickly got promoted because they excelled at solving problems for those above them (even when they didn't report to that person). Some call that 'sucking up' others call it smart & strategic career planning.
Given so many uncertainties now, make sure you're not putting yourself at risk by not having savings in case your job does end. Cut expenses and live on less. You shouldn't be dependent on someone else's business choices.
JOELLE WEAVER
20
05/19/20 at 7:33PM UTC
We all are dealing with uncertainty. I have in fact, been furloughed, so no more wondering about it for me. I was lucky to find a position but it required selling my home and a major relocation. I feel that right now the best approach is to be both flexible and nimble. Look at your finances, divide into necessities and non-necessities. Eliminate as much as you can to your "survival budget" and build your emergency fund. You will thank yourself later. No job is certain or safe right now. Be prepared for changes, have your resume ready and in top notch condition just in case.
M Elizabeth IngramHR, administration, & benefits at work; mom of 2
734
05/19/20 at 7:30PM UTC
It never hurts to stay visible; maybe have a weekly check-in with your boss to share what you've accomplished that helps the company and ask if there's anything they need you to focus on.
We're doing our best not to let anyone go. However, the folks who bring in revenue or save money are definitely playing a crucial part in making that happen.
Anonymous
05/12/20 at 8:44PM UTC
It's hard to know for sure. My company has pretty much said we won't make more cuts unless the company is going under. Could that still happen, sure. But I feel as confident as I can that it won't just be me to go and I will have some time to prepare myself.
That said, my focus is on keeping my visibility strong. My direct supervisor and those above her have tremendously large networks, and likely would be on to new ventures quickly. The harder I work now. The better quality of my work, and the more I can flex in uncertain times, the more likely they are to want to keep me around in their next phase.
Lynne CoganCareer Coach for Realizing Professional Dreams
858
05/12/20 at 4:36PM UTC
There are no guarantees that you will keep your job or that the company will weather the COVID-19 storm.
That said, the best way to keep your job is to stop thinking about "Me" (as in you) and start thinking about "We" as in your employer, your boss, your team, the customers, as well as you.
In other words, instead of thinking about "What if I lose my job," turn that around to "How can I help the company thrive during this challenging time? What can I do to make a difference?"
Know the company's big picture, its mission, vision, values; know its problems, its goals, its financials. Understand what you can do from where you are to help solve those problems, achieve those goals, improve the bottom line. Feel the importance of that as though you were a stakeholder--as though this was your family and its welfare was dependent on your actions.
If the actions you can take are already within the purview of your job, do it.
If the actions go beyond your normal work, you can create a short proposal of what you would like to do and ask for a meeting with your manager to discuss it. Be open to suggestions. Be prepared with as many answers as possible, including how you can add this project and still get your regular work done.
If you have no idea what you can do, ask your manager or team members: How can I help?
Kristyn Parker-MeyerAn imperfect person trying to be my best
649
05/12/20 at 4:19PM UTC
It's really hard to know what direction everything is going to go. We can hope for the best, but it is up in the air. I'm more of a 1099 worker at this point in my life, and I am worried that work is going to plummet as a result of all of this. I'm trying to stay hopeful though.
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