How to Keep Your Job During a Recession

The news coming out of the financial markets recently has been, well, crazy. Banks are failing, our elected officials are scrambling to make a deal on the bailout, and people are panicking pulling all their money out of their investments. While the official news is that we "may" slip into a recession - the simple fact is that the economy will be in a recession - and soon.

No one knows for sure how long it will last or how bad the economy will get. You may find yourself laid off, despite your best efforts. But here are a few strategies to employ to make you less of a target for lay off at work:

1. Don't whine. As budgets get tighter and tighter, more work may be thrust upon you. Should you just grin and bear it? To a degree, yes. Show that you can step up and be a team player. Show your boss that you understand the pressures he is under. If it gets to be too much, approach your boss with a solution in hand for combating the pressures of an increased workload. Maybe you could divvy it up more among colleagues or you could come up with a system for each member of your team to perform a part of the work so that no one is overwhelmed.

2. Don't be late. Nothing screams target for layoff like a slacker. If you're the last one to arrive in the morning and the first one to leave at night - people will notice. Instead of building a rapport you'll be building resentment among your team members. Even if your boss doesn't notice, someone will mention it - trust me.

3. Don't suffer in silence - speak up. If you regularly put in hours from your home or work through your lunch, keep a record of what you do. Although everyone seems to notice when you make a mistake, not everyone notices the extra hours you put in.

4. Talk to your boss. If you are seeing the signs that your job may be in jeopardy, such as a hiring freeze, other layoffs, or even the fact that the company no longer pays to have those water bottles brought in - talk to your boss. You may ask for five minutes of his time or to go for a walk. Tell him that given the economy, and the signs you are seeing within the company itself you are concerned. Be prepared. Tell him how much you enjoy working for the company and list a few solid examples of how you have contributed. Ask if there are any areas where he would like you to step up. This will show that you are willing to put in the longer hours that he will most likely have to begin putting in.

Again, if the company is dead set on layoffs there may be very little you can do. But if they look to your department - don't make yourself an easy target. Now's the time to polish your image as a dedicated professional. When they pull your file you want them to think we can't let him go - how would we get along without him rather than he's dead weight - cut him.