6 Immediate Actions If Your Job Is in Jeopardy
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Is your job feeling a bit shaky? The world of work can be unpredictable, and sometimes you might sense that your position is in jeopardy. It could be due to company changes, budget constraints, or other factors. Instead of letting anxiety consume you, take proactive steps to navigate this uncertain terrain. Here are six things you should do if you think your job is in jeopardy.
1. ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง. Before you jump to conclusions, take a step back and assess the situation objectively. Has there been any official communication about layoffs or restructuring? Has there been public disclosure or simply chatter about poor financial results? Do you see subtle signs of cutbacks? Are colleagues experiencing similar concerns? Understanding the context will help you make informed decisions.
2. ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ญ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ค๐๐๐๐ง ๐๐ซ๐จ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐. Regardless of the outcome, keeping your resume and LinkedIn profile current is always a good idea. Highlight your recent achievements, skills, and any additional responsibilities you've taken on. This prepares you for a job search and showcases your value within the organization.
3. ๐๐๐ญ๐ฐ๐จ๐ซ๐ค ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ง ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐ฌ๐ข๐๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐ง๐ฒ. Networking is a powerful tool during uncertain times. It shouldnโt be only for moments when youโre forced into a search. Reach out to colleagues, mentors, and industry connections. Discuss your concerns and seek advice. Explore opportunities within your current company. Also, explore options outside your company. Comb job listings, supplementing applications with outreach to people at those companies. Attend industry events, and consider reaching out to recruitment agencies. Having a Plan B can ease the transition if your job situation becomes untenable or evaporates.
4. ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฉ ๐๐๐ฐ ๐๐ค๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฌ. Invest in your professional growth. Identify skills that are in demand within your industry and company. Enroll in courses or workshops to acquire these skills. This enhances your job security AND makes you a more valuable asset to other employers. Bonus tip: your employer may have programs to pay for some or all of this upskilling.
5. ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐ข๐ฌ๐จ๐ซ. Initiate a conversation with your supervisor about your concerns. Be respectful and diplomatic in your approach. Ask for feedback on your performance and inquire about the company's plans. This demonstrates your commitment and proactive attitude.
6. ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐ ๐ ๐ ๐ข๐ง๐๐ง๐๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ญ. Financial uncertainty can be one of the most stressful aspects of a job in jeopardy. Review your budget, cut unnecessary expenses, and build an emergency fund if you haven't already. Having a financial safety net provides peace of mind and flexibility in case of unexpected changes.
๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ฒ
Navigating job insecurity can be challenging, but it's not insurmountable. Assess the situation, update your professional profile, network actively, and invest in your skills. Maintain open communication with your supervisor, explore alternative opportunities, and bolster your financial stability. Remember, your career is a journey, and adaptability is a valuable trait. By taking these proactive steps, you'll be better prepared to face whatever the future holds in your professional life.
Do you or someone you know need help determining what kinds of roles and companies would be great work situations? Conducting an effective job search without endlessly applying online? I coach and advise people to land amazing full-time jobs and internships. Learn more about my career coaching and contact me or request a free 30-minute Career Solutions Call.