Fearless Tips on Recession Proofing Your Career

Everywhere you look these days you see stories about the sad state of our economy. It's on TV, on the Internet and in the daily newspaper. Just today on my computer's MSN homepage there is a story about President Elect Obama who warns that,

"Recent news on the economic front has made it even more clear that we are facing an economic crisis of historic proportions." Offering a grim prediction, he added, that "most experts now believe that we could lose millions of jobs next year."

Sounds pretty scary doesn't it? So what can a person do with this information? Well, as the name of my blog implies feeling fearful and scared is not going to get you anywhere. As Wayne Dyer says, "Life rewards action." I recommend taking action to recession proof your career. Following are some ideas to help you do just that.

Focus on your strengths and where and how you can use them everyday - Do the 3 L's Exercise ( Blog entry Auguest 28, 2008)

Begin a CAR Journal today. Car stands for Challenge, Action, Result. Go back through your accomplishments and projects - the ones you loved doing for the past 2-3 years and record what you have been challenged (the C), what action you took (the A) and what resulted (the R) from your actions.

Become a STAR today - If you find you don't have anything to brag about then start today to find things you could brag about in the future - these will become your car journal entries - remember, when layoff's come performance does count in terms of who gets the cut and who doesn't - So be a star.

Re-Write your resume using these accomplishments as bullet points and have a professional resume writer review and edit your re-written resume so that it markets your strengths and accomplishments and not just list your jobs in chronological order.

Become indispensable. Look around your company for new opportunities. Volunteer to take on more responsibility. When Keating, the boss in The Fountainhead, complained of too much work, Howard Roark offered to do some for him. Keating became addicted to Roark’s help, which made Roark indispensable to Keating.


Update your skills by learning new software programs or taking a skill-based class. Be the "Go to guy" in your company for new programs and policies.


Make your boss look good by giving him or her credit in public but be sincere, of course since everyone can spot a fake compliment when they hear it. When anyone asks how things are going in your group let them know how much you like working for your boss. If this is not the case then begin to look for a boss you can brag about.

Start Networking NOW with others focused on new opportunities and building a community of like minded individuals - in tough times people help each other out - make sure you're the one doing this by helping others - Let people know you are available for career advice, introductions and referrals and other career related activates.

Consider a new career if yours is a dying one - Get training in the new field while you are still employed.

Use Positive Psychology everyday in your job by focusing on what's right with your life and your work. Be an inspiration to others - Use a white board and write an inspirational quote on it every week - Put it where others can see it. You'll be surprised how many people will thank you for this.

Using these ideas will help you remain a winner in the job game and even if a layoff should come your way you'll be ready with an updated resume, a network that cares about you and a mindset that is positive and proactive. In that regard I leave you with this quote from George Bernard Shaw.

"People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, make them."


So in these tough economic times go out and take some action on your own behalf by making your own circumstances - you won't be disappointed - amazed and surprised, maybe but rarely disappointed.


Blessings, Lorraine