Comments on: 8 ways to recession-proof your job

By: Venshard Dobbins, Grapevine, Tx...

Venshard Dobbins, Grapevine, Tx... — Fri, 30 May 2008 20:49:54 +0000

Annie, we forgot to include prayer. The Lord Jesus will guide us through these tough economic times..

By: Rita Ashley, Medford, OR

Rita Ashley, Medford, OR — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:53:34 +0000

Annie, you nailed it again. As a Job Search Coach to executives I offer the same advice to anyone hoping to build a strong career, recession or not: Even more important today as more senior jobs are outsourced and companies are merging or downsizing. It is not surprising that the over 50 year old candidates are especially vulnerable with constant sophisticated networking the antidote. That’s why I recommend high level Volunteerism as a means by which to meet influential executives who can be good resources in a job search. Some of America’s top charities actually assign “C” level employees a year with the Red Cross or other such organization. And as cliche as it seems, the country club is always an effective way to meet local people who may remember you when they or their friends try to fill an opening.

By: Cheri, Excelsior MN

Cheri, Excelsior MN — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 04:55:43 +0000

I have never had a problem finding work before in my life, I now find myself at 52 years old, without a job. My rent is behind six months. I lost my full time job last year because the owner took a better job out of state. The temp job I had after that ended today and now I don’t know where to turn. I have great skills and qualifications, but, there are younger people now that I am up against.

Are we in a recession? I think so. I am so scared. I have two sons and 7 grandchildren that I have not seen in over a year. Here in this United States. I was born in MN and they all live here too. I am too embarrassed to see them right now.

I don’t understand. I have worked hard all of my life and now I have nothing.

By: Shelley, Raleigh NC

Shelley, Raleigh NC — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 03:21:33 +0000

I’ve been laid off three times since 2001. I’ve been unemployed or underemployed for over 29 months since Apr, 2001. I have an advanced degree, have gotten great raises and bonuses and am a whiz at networking. Still, it’s happened again and again. I know many people who have been laid off at least twice since 2001. The employment situation in this country requires so much more stability. We can’t keep yo-yoing like this. I’m 38 yrs old and need to be paying off student loans (still owe about $40K) and saving for retirement. How can I save for retirement–let alone provide for my family NOW and save for my kids’ college education–if I keep getting laid off? After 29 months, I’m so tired of hearing myself talk about job hunting and being broke. It’s so tiresome and BORING.

Last time, my job went to Malaysia. The time before, a rather capricious owner made hundreds of peons pay the price due to the lack of action on the part of a few VPs . The time before, it was “telebomb”. I’ve tried to cover every base possible, but it’s like whack-a-mole. As soon as you have one skill, six more pop up. My resume is so full of acronyms and applications.

I have two children under the age of four. I am a good employee who has consistently received good raises, but I have a limited amount of time. Constant retraining and networking is just not a possibility. My kids are already in full time daycare so I can work (about to start a new job as a contractor–once again, underemployed. the pay is pitiful but my unemployment benefits are gone). Think twice before moving to NC. Things aren’t any better here.

I’m praying that the next president and his/her administration will really have some great ideas about getting this situation under control. Yes, we need to be self-sufficient. I try. I need to try harder. We all need to contribute to the solution and not just complain. If you want to complain, I’ve got all kinds of ammunition. It just doesn’t solve anything. We need solutions.

By: Jill S., San Francisco

Jill S., San Francisco — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 22:30:31 +0000

Reread “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.” Will teach you everything you need to know about saving and luxury.

By: Claire, Irvine, CA

Claire, Irvine, CA — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 03:20:34 +0000

I was unexpectedly laid off from an interior design firm in January. Even though I was unhappy about it, I realized this was my opportunity to start my own business. This was what I wanted to do in the future, and the opportunity just came quicker than expected! I am surviving this layoff and I have the opportunity to start / grow my own business because of: #1 savings and #2 networking. When it comes to networking, try joining a trade association. I belonged to one in San Diego that has chapters all over the states. So when I moved to Los Angeles I was already tapped into the LA network.

By: IT, Amarillo, TX

IT, Amarillo, TX — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:48:17 +0000

I agree wholeheartedly with the anonymous post encouraging good stewardship and strong work ethic. My husband and I are in our mid thirties, with two children. We carry no credit card debt, live in a nice neighborhood with excellent schools, live on one income and enjoy ourselves. We do not have cable TV, we have a tiny garden outback that provides fresh lettuces, herbs, vegetables in the summer, and we live reasonably well. I just read an article about a woman in the mortgage crunch (she was laid off from her job as a loan opener at a mortgage company). That, in and of itself, is unfortunate. However, there was a paragraph that talked about how her church was filling her fridge with food, then made reference to her keeping cable “so she can look for a job”. Anyone can get dial up internet for a fraction of what cable internet costs, and I would be willing to bet that she has more channels than we do. I know that I can go to my local library and access the internet for FREE if I need to. Now, I am not knocking this woman for losing her job. I am shocked at how Americans have expanded thier list of “needs” to include things like cable, cell phones, gym memberships, lattes, etc… Just because these things are enjoyable and convenient, does not mean they are NECESSARY. My sister just moved to Germany, and she said credit cards are not accepted at 99% of the merchants (even big international ones that we know here). People pay in cash, and as a whole, they have very little debt. How refreshing. If everyone that is in the mortgage crunch (and by now, that includes ALL of us to a degree) had saved our $4 we spent on lattes or other “fluff” several times a week, we would have a nice cushion to help absorb some of these financial shocks. Perhaps we should all make a promise to ourselves and our progeny – WE WILL BE GOOD STEWARDS AND LIVE WITHIN OUR MEANS. If we have food in the fridge, and a roof over head (one that we purchased or rented responsibly – not one that we could not afford and fudged our financials/loan documents to procure, hoping the market would continue to soar to cover our bad judgement), we have more than many in this world. We should trim our financial fat and learn to prioritize and discern true needs from frivolous comforts.

By: George, California

George, California — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 02:57:11 +0000

It is hard for middleman & low income people to survive in the current economy across the country. No Jobs, No Money, No House.

Unemployment benefits last for just 28 weeks leaving millions of people in poverty after that. “Manufacturing Jobs” – “Technical Jobs” – All “Outsourced” to other countries. Manufacturing companies migrating to countries like Mexico and China, giving more jobs to people in those countries, what about people here in US?

No salary or job for people here. The companies make profits by cheap labor overseas. But who will buy products sold by this companies in this country without any income? Hundreds of people face foreclosure, dragged to poverty and to live homeless in the streets.

Are the Presedential Candidates aware of the reason for current cash crunch in the market > No Jobs = No Purchase = Collapsing Economy ?

A Request for Presidential Candidates – PLEASE “PROMISE” TO PROVIDE US “JOBS”. PLEASE EXTEND THE UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS DURATION OR RECOMMEND TAX BENEFITS FOR COMPANIES WHO EMPLOY THE UNEMPLOYED.

By: Tee McAllister, San Antonio,Tx.

Tee McAllister, San Antonio,Tx. — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 21:07:39 +0000

I agree with Alice in Pa.! I am a Realtor, and our business is extremely slow and scary too. We count on referrals, young first time home buyers, and couples with children moving “up” to bigger homes…and NONE of those things are taking place. The rental market is strong because people are afraid to get heavily in debt by buying a home.
Besides that, they are dipping into their savings just for extra money to pay for gas and groceries. Somehow, and in some way, the “average Americans” must start to have our voices heard over the coporate money paid to legislators.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 20:51:19 +0000

First off Annie, you’re right regarding how to protect your job: work harder, take more responsibility etc…those of us over 50 were told about those work ethics growing up. “Not my job” was not in our “work ethic”.
2nd, Live BELOW your means was the next great lesson, one unfortunately many of us DIDN’T follow.
3rd: Money is a medium of exchange and a “garden plant”. First you till the soil (train), then you plant (work) then you get paid (plant grows fruit/vegetables)then you pick the fruit/vegetables and save the seeds(pay for food and shelter and set aside a minimum of 10%/savings)then you plant the some of the seeds(invest a portion of your savings)and watch it grow.
So how to survive? 1st, REDUCE YOUR SPENDING HABITS…..Green is not only good for the environment it is wonderful for the pocketbook. Millions of Americans throw out perfectly good stuff everyday and go buy “new stuff” and I’m not talking big ticket items.
Do you really need paper plates, paper napkins, paper towels, rolls of plastic wrap etc? NO. Your cereal box contains enough wax paper to seal up any size dish of leftovers. Cut down the side and add a rubber band. Paper towels? What’s wrong with a cloth towel or old rag? Oh, back to the leftovers……Talk about your “quick meals”…..great “brown bag potential, quick dinner potential and quick snack potential”…..Amazing Huh? (Cook from scratch….forget the “Box Quick”)
Car wash? Did you ever hear of a bucket of water, a sponge, and a rag?
Shopping: set aside a time each week and go with a couple of friends. Chart out your route based on your list of needs (not dreams or nice to have)split the cost of the transportation.
Entertainment: Cut the cable (do you really need 100 gazillion channels? The kids don’t need all that time in front of the boob tube any way. You and the kids should take minutes as they come and combine entertainment with chores (the old fashioned thing)Get creative!
Next: If YOU JUST HAVE TO HAVE CREDIT CARDS: Keep a check register with your card. Under the beginning balance, put an amount you will be able to deposit into your checking acct each month. As you charge, subtract that amt from the balance side…….Talk about a reality check!!!
Reduce your “comfort level”. Start by re assessing your “stuff”. Look at it this way, if you lost your “stuff” tonight, what items of your “stuff” would you need. (Here’s a good excercise to put it into perspective: paint a mental picture of what you would need if your family had to live
in 100s.f. per person space)Clothes?
How many days are in a week? If you’ve got more than 7 different outfits (which should really count as more than that because you can switch stuff around)and 4 “bum around” sets, then you DON’T NEED TO BUY ANYMORE! Open the windows and let nature “deodorize” your home,cool your home etc. Go to bed early (If you’re up past Nightline and you’re not working the night shift it’s way past your bedtime)IF your bills are more than you can pay off in a short time, take a “temporary part time job” and apply ALL of that income to your bills ALONG WITH the amount you normally would pay.
You say you want a vacation? Try a “quality time local adventure exploring your town, county, etc.” Go tour a park, a cave, a lake, help a neighbor with a project or volunteer! It’s all about the experience not the destination.
If we get back to relationships as our focus and away from who has the most expensive and latest and greatest toy, who knows what may happen. And oh, by the way if you just have to have something, make sure that what you have to have is something that is worthwhile, will last, and hopefully helps provide jobs to your neighbor.
*Side note: If you do all this, your credit score won’t matter down the line. It will be perfect but you’ll be paying cash! Wow….what a concept!)If we all had done this we wouldn’t be in this mess!

By: Alice in PA

Alice in PA — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:44:24 +0000

Response to Kevin Knapp, and all other unfortunate victims of this government and corporate ran nation…. don’t just offer suggestions, stand up and fight….I respond to your message with compassion and understanding: Skilled tradesmen are no longer respected in this country, the unions have all been busted… and white collar (ha) four year degree is nothing anymore… WATCH LINK TV for the truth… Big business is selling us all out, speak out, vote, support those who have the time to protest and talk to your friends, family members and neighbors. Speak out! Place signs in your windows at home, on your front lawns (unless your rights are controlled by yet another corporation)write it on you car windows, speak your disappointments and frustrations…. we the middle class have to fight for our piece of the pie otherwise we all will be left out…stop worrying about meaningless material or latest entertainment and start worrying about where your be next year after the gas prices climb another $1.00 or $2.00 a gallon) or food is no longer an expected but a special treat because of the corn fuel drive by our president… We the REAL Americans whose parents and grandparents help build this wonderful nation need to stand up and be counted help secure our future, our children’s future and our rights ….. don’t just write suggestions DO SOMETHING aggressive “write your real feelings and let all the internet sites know, if their really for the people their report the upswing….. …. take a lesson from the black community fights for equality in the 60’s, numbers and action really do move this country.

By: N Niesen Bangor Wi..

N Niesen Bangor Wi.. — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:18:20 +0000

Annie.. great tips!!! but we lost our jobs with downsizing .. too late for us.. we are broke.. spent our retirement to stay afloat.. what about US..

By: Kelly, Cincinnati, OH

Kelly, Cincinnati, OH — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:49:50 +0000

My husband works for Citigroup – and I worry far too often that he’ll come home with the want ads under his arm. He assures me he is doing what’s necessary and has made a great resume for himself within the company – he volunteers for the least wanted positions, interviews for things that he knows most likely won’t get, but wants the higher ups to keep seeing his name running across their desks. The simplest thing he does that has worked like a charm so far is to ask anyone and everyone above him at least one question related to their job, skills, or asked for advice. Most know his name for simply that reason. Thankfully, I’m a special ed teacher. I may not make much money, but it’s a rewarding career with total job security.

By: Josh, Cary, NC

Josh, Cary, NC — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 06:26:42 +0000

If Thoreau lived today, my guess is the philosopher would’ve said:

Diversify, diversify.

By: Nathan B., Woodland Hills, CA

Nathan B., Woodland Hills, CA — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 21:54:13 +0000

Become indispensible at your company, if possible. Learn everything there is to know and more – be the one that everyone comes to to solve a problem. Yes, you will wind up working like a dog, but when it comes to lay-offs you will be the last one out the door. Have been through at least four lay-offs during the last 25+ years.
Another thing: live beneath your means. Thank God I was raised by Depression-era parents who were very frugal, possessed incredible work ethic and passed on their “knowledge” to me and my siblings. Never buy anything that you don’t already have the money for, dine out only on very special occasions, budget cash for all expeditures out of each paycheck and save, save, save. These were just a few of the lessons learned which are very much out of sync from our current “instant gratification” society. I hope and pray that another Great Depression is not upon us.

By: Jack, Boston MA

Jack, Boston MA — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 17:41:24 +0000

I agree, a little shameless self promotion is a good idea. It doesn’t have to be a gross photo opp, but a list of your key deals, projects is helpful to managers as they look at who stays and who goes. Remember, if you can’t measure it, its hard to sell, so if you helped with a solution or a deal, spell out the numbers for the boss. (bosses love spreadsheets) Oh, Kevin the blue collar guy in Rochester should re-read the no whining section of the article. Unions are a great concept gone horribly wrong in many cases. If you expect expect $100k per year for fastening bolts, you are in for a surprise. Those days are over. Have a safety net in the event you do get whacked (even good workers will go BTW) have savings if possible, and get a home equity line of credit “before” you get let go. And remember, sometimes being let go opens amazing new chapters, most folks move on and end up better off in the long run.

By: kevin knapp rochester,n.y.

kevin knapp rochester,n.y. — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:36:28 +0000

why is it that all these advice columns
always seen to offer advice only to
people(yuppies basically),that work in
upper management or in offices.where is
advice for the blue collar worker.oh,i
forgot,american buisness killed them off
a long time ago.

By: Pali Madra, Jacksonville, CA

Pali Madra, Jacksonville, CA — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:59:32 +0000

A great post.

To survive a recession in the good days you have to ensure that you blow your own trumpet. Meaning that the management should feel that you add tremendous value and to make that happen you will have to let the management know, directly or indirectly, what you have done or achieved and how much value you have added. If you do not do that in the good times you would be the first to get the pink slip because you would be perceived as a resource who does not add value.

Your ability to multi task can hold you in good stead as well. Therefore try and multi task at your job.

Anyway informative blog and the comments are even better.

By: Bob, Cleveland, Ohio

Bob, Cleveland, Ohio — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 17:46:33 +0000

If you love your job and like the company you work for, then you need to keep an eye on the company…make friends with people in Accounting & Finance. The company’s performance dictates when and if the layoffs will happen. If your company is doing well, you don’t have to worry to much. However, if you notice a lack of new customers, orders, projects, etc…you better start polishing up your resume. Companies don’t exist to give people jobs…they exist to make money…and if they are not making money…they will trim costs…ie people.

Some other advice: Beware of the warning signs. If your not included in meetings or discussions of long-term plans…its a warning sign. Don’t cause trouble with co-workers…even if your in the right. The boss won’t remember who was in the right…only that you were involved in a dispute.

Two major warning signs you will be laid off: If someone asks you to write down what you do or the details of your position. Also, watch out for the fake raise. If you get an excessive raise and you know the company can’t afford it…chances are you will be laid off before you ever get collect much of your new salary. Its a nasty tactic because so many people are underpaid and when you finally do get something your do…its yanked away from you. Make no mistake it does happen and managers do it to make their bottom line look better.

By: D. Jones, Kodiak, Alaska

D. Jones, Kodiak, Alaska — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:24:23 +0000

Pay off debt, especially high-interest credit cards. Pay bills ahead. Plant a garden. Buy food that your family likes to eat on sale, and in bulk. (Saves a lot of time, too!) Insulate your house better, save energy and cut your bills.
If you don’t own your car, sell it and buy a used one so you don’t owe anybody. Get a gas-efficient one! (Gasoline and diesel prices are going nowhere but up!)
Keep some cash in the house- enough to pay the bills for a month or two.
Spend less: use the library, netflix, have friends or family over instead of eating out. Stress out less. Drink less alcohol. Get some exercise, walk, and enjoy yourself. What are you rushing around for, anyhow?