Tips to Help “Recession Proof” Your Job

According to many financial experts, we are presently in a recession. Some say we are heading towards a recession soon. Either way, it’s important now to make extra efforts to keep your job and try to make it recession proof. Of course we know there is no such thing as building a recession proof fortress around your job security, but every little bit helps in this day and age to help secure your job.

Keep a positive attitude towards your job. Avoid whining and complaining or any negativity towards your work or your coworkers. Act like you enjoy your job and show enthusiasm.

Volunteer to learn new technologies, duties and procedures. For example, now would be a good time to learn that new computer program that you have been putting off. If a new promotion and title are offered to you, take it with enthusiasm, even if there’s no extra monetary gain at the time.

Accept the new responsibilities and welcome them. Cross train, if possible, for a number of different positions within the company. This way, if your department is downsized or your position is eliminated, you still have skills that are needed in your company. In short, make yourself less expendable to the company and too good to be replaced easily.

If a pay cut is inevitable, accept it if hopefully it is not too severe and still continue to learn new duties and responsibilities. At least this way you can stay the course and try to wait it through the tough economic times.

Check out your health insurance, flexible spending or health savings account to ensure that you can keep your coverage in the event that your job is eliminated. See if you would be able to keep coverage through COBRA if you should need to.

If your company is on very shaky ground, it’s a good idea to research other possibilities for employment but don’t discuss this at all at work. This action may be necessary if a pay cut is too severe or you fear your company may be headed for inevitable bankruptcy.