Losing a Job Mississippi

No matter how secure you think your job is, every once in a while you should conduct a "fire drill" and go over your own safe exit strategy. Don't wait for rumors about lay off at your company. Be aware of the conditions of other companies in your industry and your state. Here are some ABC's for staying flexible like the trees that make it through storms.

Assess your job skills, enthusiasm and energy. Try to see your abilities from the point of view of the employer. If you were in the boss's place and had to lay off people, who would you lay off and why?

Think like an entrepreneur even if you never want to start your own business. When you feel like you are responsible and running the show, you sharpen your skills; you hold yourself to a "no excuses" standard; and you keep your enthusiasm high. That makes you very attractive.

What does the boss want? Many of them will tell you that enthusiasm and energy matter more than job skills. You can train a willing energetic person to do something new. What do you do with a bright person who is lazy, know it all, puffed up or unwilling to contribute?

Assess your strengths and make them stronger. Acknowledge your deficiencies. Figure out which ones could get you fired. Decide what to fix. Skills and enthusiasm will probably keep you employed and employable. It's more fun too. It's your life after all, enjoy it.

Be aware of your spending habits. Before any crisis hits, you should know how much money you really need to live on. That must include saving for days when you have no work, and paying on your debts....