Living with a Lack of Job Security

Some of the people you know may have only had
a few jobs – or even one job – in their lives. If so, and they're not working for the government, they're likely to be
older than 50, having grown up at a time where company loyalty and
hard work provided a steady career and a comfortable pension. They
might have spent 20 or 30 years with the same company, never
making the break to search for something better, and never having
a reason to fear layoffs.
These days, however, the world is much
different. As a result of globalization, outsourcing, contracting,
downsizing, recession and even natural disaster, "job security"
can seem like a thing of the past. People entering the workforce
within the past few years may have more than 10 different jobs
before they retire. The lack of job security that goes with this
is something that almost everyone must face at one time or
another, and learning how to cope is essential to being happy, and
keeping stress away.
So, how do you deal with this uncertainty?
First, learn how to handle the psychological
pressure and stress. It's important to realize that not everyone
reacts the same way to job insecurity. Your home life, willingness
to adapt to change, and financial situation are much different
from those of your colleagues, so don't expect yourself to feel or
react like they do: they'll manage stress their own way.
Next, be prepared. It's impossible to know
what the future will bring, so preparing in advance can help
reduce your worries, because you'll know you've done all you can.
We'll show you what you can do now to deal
with the feeling of a lack of job security.
Coping with Stress
Living with constant insecurity can be
stressful. Some studies suggest that living with job insecurity – the "fear" of losing your job – can be more harmful to your health
than actually losing it. Here, keeping a positive attitude can
make all the difference!
If you're stressed about your career, try some of these tips:

Remember the saying "Whenever one door closes, another one
opens." Living with uncertainty can be uncomfortable, but you can
control how you look at it. It can be an adventure, and the chance
to do something new.
If you're a good worker with marketable skills, then you have a
lot to offer other potential employers if you get laid off. This
is why it's so important to keep your skills relevant and up-to-date.
In today's job market, the technical skills you need can change
quickly. So, develop your nontechnical skills as well. If your
lack of job security is due to a drop in demand for your technical
skills, think "outside the box." What else can you do – and how
can you prove that you could learn a new line of work? Look at
your track record of being adaptable, your organizational skills
(time management, team management, and leadership), and your
people skills. For more information, read our Book Insight on Career Intelligence by Barbara Moses, and use this site to build solid career skills.
Stress can result from a feeling that you don't have control
over your situation. Remember, you ALWAYS have control. It's your
life, and it's within your power to change it. If you're afraid
that you might get "downsized," then take control and act. Look
for lateral transfers within your company, to a different
department or even a different branch. Start learning about other
departments; perhaps your skills would allow you to do something
completely different within the organization. Be PROactive instead
of REactive.
If you're part of a team (or if you're leading a team), allow
everyone to voice their fears. Communicating and expressing
frustrations are important, but don't let these fears dominate the
group. This can create negativity and hurt morale. So, have an
open discussion, but focus on what you can all do to move forward
and cope.

Prove Your Worth
If you were your boss, and you were forced to eliminate one
position, who would you lay off: the person who leaves at 5:01 pm
each day and complains all the time, or the person who's willing
to take on extra work and always has something positive to say?

If you face uncertainty in your field, make sure you give value to
your company. You'll have to do more than "just the minimum" if
you want to keep your job.
Be willing to stay late to finish a project. Help another team
member who's falling behind. Do things to show your boss that you
love your job and you'll do what it takes to help the company
succeed. This kind of commitment can help to set you apart from
the crowd.
Stay Current
Keeping your skills current is essential if you want to offer
value to your company. Make sure you're up to date on your
industry's certifications and trends. Take outside classes and
read trade publications, so that you know what's going on in your
field.
Also, think about taking classes that would benefit your role in
any company. Skills like effective time management, leadership
techniques, and office organization can help you anywhere – no
matter what job you're doing.
"Brag" About Yourself
Many people resist talking about their accomplishments because
they don't want to boast. But think of it this way: your boss may
not know how great you are, or what you're capable of doing, if
you don't tell her.
By talking about your accomplishments, you keep him or her informed of
your value. For more on how to brag about yourself (without being
viewed as arrogant or overconfident), read Getting the Recognition
You Deserve .
Keep Your Résumé Up to Date
This is smart for everyone to do, not just those who are actively
looking for work (or afraid they might be soon).
When your résumé is current, you can be ready at a moment's notice
to apply for a new position – even one within your own company.
You won't have to rush to make changes (and risk making mistakes),
and you can be sure to present yourself in the very best light. If
you wait until the last minute, you might forget an important
accomplishment that could mean winning – or losing – the job.
Save Your Money
Few things are more stressful than wondering how you'll pay your
bills if you suddenly lose your job. This alone can convince
people to accept the first job offer they receive, even if it's not the right
match.
Save at least three to six months of living expenses – this can
help you take the time you need to find the best opportunity, if
you are laid off. It can also give you the resources you need to look further afield, if work dries up in your area. This can help you turn a bad situation into a
chance to reevaluate your career, and put yourself onto a new,
exciting path.

Key Points
In today's business world, living with job insecurity is a reality
for many. But it doesn't have to be stressful and negative.
Preparing yourself for change is a great way to feel better about
the situation. Take control by ensuring that your company knows
how great you are, and invest time in keeping your skills up to
date. And save some money, so you don't have to worry about paying
your bills if you do lose your job.
If you do get laid off, remember that the world is full of
opportunities. Changing your mindset can go a long way toward
reducing your stress. Look at this change as an adventure and as
the chance to try something new. Focus on the positive, not on
doubt and uncertainty. Remember, your life is what you make of it!