In an economic environment where corporations can easily outsource work to other countries for less, where salaries are not increasing but are actually decreasing, where layoffs are a reality even in the most robust economic areas, and all so that companies can meet Wall Street expectations – fear of losing one’s job is not only valid but statistically possible.

However, generally speaking, that fear causes us to put up with a lot of silliness that we would not otherwise put up with if we felt more secure in our positions. Fear causes us:

• To put up with ridiculously unhealthy work conditions and environments
• To put up with processes that don’t work or take too long
• Not to question the people and the things around us that don’t make sense

There are so many things that you cannot control. You cannot control the broader economic environment or your organization’s bottom line. There are so many factors that determine your bottom line: your customers, your reputation and perception in the marketplace, your marketing and PR, your organizational leadership (whether that is you or someone else) and the ability to create compelling strategies and execute accordingly. Even if you work in non-profit or government, funding always has an impact on you.

However, there are several things you can do despite fear:

1. Let it Go – First, we need to let go of fear. If the company wants to make Wall St. happy, then management may eventually have to make unsavory choices. If your organization has had a cut in funding, that is something you cannot control, nor should you spend time worrying about something that may or may not happen.
2. Resume – Has it been a while since you’ve dusted off your resume? There is no time like the present to polish it up and get it ready for your next gig.
3. Network – It has been a while since your network has heard from you. So, now would be a good time to start reaching out to them, and hint that you may be in the market.
4. Increase Value – Show yourself as having higher value so the company needs you (e.g. learning a new critical skill, working in a new/ critical function, or step up and help solve some of the inefficiency in your organization or company)
5. Sales – Typically companies will not lay off salespeople, sales support, sales engineering, or anyone related to sales. Generally speaking, if a company is not selling, it’s not able to function. Delivery of products and services is a different story, that can fluctuate, and companies will either “plus up” on people to deliver products and services – or they will make due with less – but they always need sales – otherwise they have no one to deliver to.
6. Critical Roles – Look into other critical functions like finance, accounting, tax, contracts, project management, engineering, software development, IT Support – oftentimes there is no shortage of these jobs, and they are typically in demand
7. Don’t Wait – If you do feel that your job is in jeopardy, take control of your destiny and start actively looking immediately for another opportunity
8. Diversify – Diversify your skill set, learn on your own, watch some YouTube videos, take some additional training or work in a different job function. We live in an age where companies value people who don’t just specialize, but who can do anything – if you’re a business owner who would you keep, the person who can do just one job, or multiple jobs? (Hint: this is how I survived five rounds of layoffs)
9. Side Business – Start that side business you’ve always wanted dreamt of. The additional income may help you in case of a “rainy day”
10. Save Save Save – Speaking of “rainy days”, sock away as much emergency money as you can. If the unfortunate should happen, you will need funds and a good financial plan to carry you until you find your next income source.

Fear of losing your job is real and valid, and while you can’t control the broader environment, you can decide to increase your value starting now, or you can prepare accordingly. Either way, you can look fear in the face and know that you have a plan to protect yourself from catastrophe.

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