News about the bad economy is not showing any signs of let up these days. Every other country is feeling the effect of global recession. Such an economic downturn does not bode well for people who are merely trying to hold on to their unstable jobs. Fear of getting fired from work runs rampant among people, and for good reason. Companies tend to trim off manpower during a bad economy crisis. It is part of the whole cost-cutting strategy that becomes a necessity for a business to survive during the dire times. Although it is unlikely that a person who performs well at his job, who is considered an asset in his given position, and whose skills and attitude have been proven exceptional is going to be let go, others who may be underperforming are at a precarious position. When the bleak conditions force the company to remove positions and staff, those who are most likely to go first are the newly hired ones, the delinquents, the unproductive, and those who are holding a position that are considered redundant. Trying on a job search during this time may prove to be difficult.
Adding to the terror of losing one’s job is the thought and the knowledge that the cost of living is not getting cheaper by day and a fervent job search would not guarantee being accepted by another employer. On the contrary, gas prices continue to soar and with it the price of everything else – every commodity and basic needs – balloons. If you have concerns and worries about losing your job, now is the best time to assess your work performance and make necessary adjustments where needed. First, work harder. Show your boss your worth and that you have the skills, talent, and determination that are going to be important for the company’s progress. Contribute and be proactive. Maximize your resources to have a good performance review. On the other hand, you might be performing well but you worry that the company you are working for may be not. You fear that although you are fairly certain that you will never get fired unnecessarily, you are in doubt about you company’s health and stability against the bad economy. What you can do in this case is to polish your resume and start a job search while still keeping your present job while you can. Carefully weigh in the options and do not fear moving on to a better place (i.e., employer) if you are certain that you are currently working for one sinking ship. When that ship sinks, it will take you along with it so it will be wise to have a few back-up plans up your sleeve.
Some people’s problem about losing their job goes beyond how to sustain their everyday needs if they will get fired. Some have accumulated debts that losing their job would mean not only losing everything but also gaining more trouble. Therefore, if you are having this kind of worry, now is the best time to start tightening up your budget and start living within your means. Being extra frugal in the intention of paying off debts will also be a good mission to pursue. Thus, no matter how much a bad economy frightens us these days, the answer to being prepared for it lies within ourselves.
