I thought I would write a few thoughts about employment. It’s easy to forget that as an employee your are a commodity easily bought sold or traded. An employee can be upgraded downgraded or completely replaced. Sometimes it’s easy to forget that we are replaceable. I have been laid off five different times and here are some thoughts about keeping and or finding a job.
Become absolutely essential in your workplace.
If your company is struggling the owner will probably cut non-essential employees first. It’s like a sinking ship. First you throw out the items that are not 100% needed to keep the boat floating.
Too many workers do only what they are required to do, and nothing more. You can instantly increase your value to the company by going above and beyond what is expected of you, such as being willing to take on duties that others refuse to do.
Any employee can create an excellent opportunity by doing their absolute best all the time. Make the best out of any situation, volunteer to do more and expand your knowledge and experience beyond your current job. Take the opportunities to learn and be a better employee.  The ability to survive a downturn in the economy is the ability to adapt. Learn a new skill, get the extra education, work on “other” projects.
Perform your duties of your job as if you owned the company.
Today often employees fail to take ownership in their jobs. Creating ownership creates a sense of purpose and pride in one’s job. When you treat a company as if it were your own you will treat it better and the customers will notice.  Create ownership by embracing change and tackle all problems easy and hard with passion of owning the company, you will create a place for you in the future of the company.
With millions of people looking for work, remember to become the solution to the problem.
Don’t just ask for a job or hope that you don’t become the victim of a lay off but instead find ways you can increase revenues for your company or the company you want to work for. There are always jobs for forward thinkers who can improve sales, lower costs and make business more efficient. Find the hidden prize.
Another way to be the solution is to be a good employee. Show up early for work, stay late, help your coworkers, don’t gossip, don’t spread rumors are ways to be a solution and not a problem.
Lastly… Network
Make friends and contacts far and wide in your path of business. Keep a database of your contacts. You will never know when this resource will help you find and employee, solve a problem, or find you a new job. People are an asset make as many friends as possible. Use the tools that are available, like facebook, linkedin, Outlook Address Book or even the old fashion method of a binder full of business cards.
