Ways to Protect your Career while you have a Job

Celebrating another great day! Welcome to Day 2 of my blog sharing.

I came upon an online quiz, through my Facebook and thought that is interesting to share here too.

Ever wondered which-word-best-describes-you and your personality?

You probably have, just like myself. Try this by clicking on the link above.

Mine is "Optimistic"....I just love it !

I do agree with the definition above but to me, been optimistic also mean that I could Focus on what I can Control rather than things out of my reach to manage.

A recent Rutgers University study entitled "Left Behind" quantifies just how bad it has been for those who have slipped into the long-term unemployment since the last recession. Nearly 40% of workers laid off in the last 5 years looked for a job for 7 months before becoming re-employed and one-fifth never found another job. Among those who did find a job, one-fourth said it was as a temporary gig and 44% of workers said their next gig was a step down.

This is certainly a reality and is probably happening here in this place we call our home. When this happen, it can be a very difficult situation to get out of, so if you are currently working, you should always take steps to have a back up plan.

Here are 3 proactive strategies that will help you stay in the Captain's seat as suggested by Elaine Pofeldt, an independent journalist who specializes in writing about entrepreneurship and careers.

1) Focus on what you can control - Set up a "Google Alert" with your organization’s name, to stay aware of any developments that may affect its ability to keep employing you and your colleagues.

2) Stay productive in measurable ways - If they determine they are loosing money by keeping you on staff because you are not productive enough, they will not keep you for long.

3) Keep your options open - What is the one skill you could add that would make you much more marketable to your target employers? Commit to devoting one hour a week to learning that skill. It'll put you in a position of power if you ever do lose your job.

Takeaway is...practice make perfect. Good luck!