Some say, the economy is thriving now and it has never been any better. Though, we are living in a “good” economy now somehow we still have people who have sad tales to tell of how they were recently laid off after years on the job. It has been a sudden punch to the gut that they don’t know what to do. A good example is in the culminary business Jamie Oliver’s restaurants closed after a few years but leaving an aftermath of 1000+ employees without employment. Jamie is okay as he has a Plan B, his staff not so much.
If you look at the job market today still their are on-going emails, phonecalls, messages and articles that just keep on ringing of people who are stll looking for a job. It just sense that stable economy = stable job.
It is true that there are still demands for jobs out there especially in the tech industry which still on the rise and you could still land your dream job. Though, if you are have been a businessman or investment guru, actually common sense will tell, what goes up must always come down. It is just how businesses work even large companies such as AliBaba, Facebook or even Apple, they will have their ups then they will have their downs. Then they go cut jobs.
Not to mention if it goes so low that the economy hits another downturn or recession due to powers beyond any of our control.
Even as an old general in the company for many years about to retire, that is not a guarantee either. It seems that the trend in market now is to find interns that are fraction of anolder employees salary to do the job. That’s how they save on costs.
So, as a young man/woman going into the job industry, or someone who is currently content with their job or just an employee that is about to retire, it is always good to have a plan B. Here’s what you should be doing even if you are still in a job …
Be Attentive To Whats In The Office
The office can be a cutthroat place especially if you have a long standing achievements in the company. So as you go about your daily acitivities in the office remember to:
Always be attentive to what is happening in your office
Maybe have a talk with your employer or your colleagues, take not of any job relocations or a downturn in the industry. Always keep an eye out for some tell-tale signs of something fishy going on. You should always be comfortable in your job by remember: hope for the best and expect the worst.
Keep Your Options Open
As the world changes without giving most people time to even think about it, it is always good to have options even before the axe drops. Here is a few ideas you could do to keep your options open:
In a stable market, always have a fallout plan.
- Haven’t updated your skills yet? Try updating your resume/ CV from time to time. If you time permits keep an eye on your linkedin profile and update that as well. Maybe keep in touch with old friends and business partners.
- Keep on weighing your options on what is going around in the job market. If recruiters are recruiting, or classifieds has a few ads, keep an eye on what is going around in your industry.
- Look out for locations that might have more of jobs that require your expertise. If you really need to go at least you know where to go.
- If your spouse is working: make sure they keep their options open, such as looking out for higher salary or just other jobs in general
So the point is to keep attentive to the job market. Enough that your remain Woke, but not too much that it seems that you are actively looking for another job. There is also some passive activities you can do…
Old Dog New Tricks, New Dog New Tricks
Again as the world changes dramatically a person mist always remain adaptable to to what is happening around you. Even in a passive sense you can do that.
Try taking taking on extra lessons to expand your skills or if you are older in the market how about going back to school. I have heard people pivot before from doing office jobs to programming because they learnt Java, Ruby-on-Rails. Or learnt another language to be more adaptable. Even if you do not leave your job these skills will help you in the long run and expand your horizons.
How About Starting A Side Business (Side-Hustle)
This does not have to interfere with your job it can be something you are interested in want to take on. Something that takes time to grow but what you can work on in your spare time. It is always good to have some extra income to supplement your main income as well.
There have been some who have gone into blogging, some have gone into part time programming, maybe even building a website is good as well. Some do some microjobs or even part-time tour guides as they enjoy doing something different.Β Some also do part-time investing with the extra they have. There is so much if you keep an eye.
Mindset is Everything
Above all remember NEVER go into a downward spiral of negativity, that can make you feel powerless and drain your energy. It can be hard if you fall into a rut, to pull yourself back up again.
So remember to remain positive, motivated and connected. That way people want to work with you if the time comes (because of your positive personality) and motivated to do any endeavour you might be looking.
So How To Create Plan B…
Same for me, I love my job and being able to to the outdoors makes my job special. I was a recruiter before this so I remember how volatile the workplace can be. Though, it does get shaky so I started an online business something that will keep me afloat. If is going well, so far so good. I just regret delaying it.
If you weigh on the above you might have some idea of what kind of Plan B you want to have. Make sure you do it NOW> don’t think of doing it later you might regret it.
So what is your Plan B? Please leave a message and exchange some ideas.
The Daily Pumpernickel 