A Few Signs that You're About to Be Laid Off - and What You Can Do About It

Chances are you've read the newspapers or seen reports on the television about the state of the economy. It seems that every third day, some large bank is absorbed, or a going out of business sale sign is placed in the window at the corner market. Many businesses, both small and large are definitely dealing with the downturn in the economic environment, and unfortunately one of the main coping mechanisms is to lay off quality employees.

So as such an employee, how do you find out if you're going to be laid off? One approach, perhaps the most direct one is to simply ask your employer if you will be laid off in the future. Depending on your relationship with your employer, you might get a direct and truthful answer, but chances are you won't. There are a number of indications, though, that could let you know what your employment future might be.

Indication # 1: Your Work Flow or Responsibilities Change

One of the worst things to have happen from an employer standpoint is to have an employee leave with unfinished work or work in progress on their desk. It can lead to many complications, and most employers want to make sure that any transitions can run smoothly after you're gone. If the employer knows that he will be laying an employee off in the next six months, he will probably change or lessen his assignments over that time. A lighter load or a more supportive role in the work that a person does can indicate that the employee is looking to make a tidy and smooth transition to a new employment status.

Indication # 2: Potential Clients Pass You By

Another indication that your employment status might be changing is the number of new or potential clients that come your direction. Like the need to bring resolution to on going projects described above, chances are an employer will not allow you to take on new clients. By not allowing new growth or potential clients to come your direction, your employer can more easily terminate your employment status.

Indication # 3: You're Encouraged to Take Vacation or Days Off

While just about every employee wouldn't argue with an employer about being offered time off, be very careful to see if your employer is offering more chances to take vacation in a given period of time. If you notice an unusual amount of vacation days being encouraged, chances are your employer is trying to make sure the amount of vacation pay due to you is less.

What to Do

If you see any of these indications, or perhaps that little voice in the back of your mind is telling you that your employment status might be changing, there are a number of proactive things that you can do. The first thing, of course, is to decide if you want to fight to keep your current job or to find another. Once you make that decision, a few options could be presented to you.

Keeping Your Job

There are two basic reasons that an employer can lay off a person. The first, of course is the availability of work. The second is the ability of the employer to pay an employee for the work performed. If you think that either of these problems are being faced by your employer set up a meeting with them to find out if alternative employment at the company can be arranged. For example, perhaps you can be released and then rehired as an independent contractor. Or perhaps arrangements can be made for a nominal pay decrease over a temporary time frame. The important thing is to open a dialogue with your employer and to be honest about your thoughts and concerns. If you and your employer are open to alternative methods of employment, there is a chance that you can keep your current job.

Looking For Other Employment

If, on the other hand, you would rather look for other employment, there are a number of things that you can do. The first, of course, is to start exploring other employment opportunities that may exist in your field or in your area. Besides the usual route of newspaper classified ads or internet search engines, consider asking at temporary help agencies, or even at your local shops. Keep your eyes open, and be sure to look outside your normal comfort zones. Throughout your employment history you most likely have learned a number of skills that could be used in your job search.

These are just a few of the many indications that you could be laid off in the near future, and a few things that you can do about it. By being proactive and paying attention to the ebb and flows in your employment status, chances are you'll land on your feet no matter what the economy sends your direction.