Comments on: Keep your job: A 10-point survival guide

By: Annie

Annie — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:14:34 +0000

Well, Doris, not everybody has been granted his or her wish by getting laid off, to say the least — and plenty of people are working hard when they’re let go. But if you lost a job you didn’t like anyway, and you’ve ended up better off, then great! Good for you!

By: Doris, Burnaby, BC, Canada

Doris, Burnaby, BC, Canada — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 05:53:29 +0000

For those of you who are affected by the 2009 layoffs, cheer up! This is the time to remember how intolerable your dead-end job used to be. And how much you wished you didn’t have to go to work in the morning and that you were somewhere else when you got there. So now that you have been granted your wish, why are you feeling so miserable? Isn’t this what you have always wanted? If you’re suffering from the “Why me” syndrome, get over it! Why you? Because you have earned the privilege of getting paid the same salary without having to do any work for a while. This is the time to pick yourself up, and dust yourself off, and begin the work to rebuild yourself, like Obama saids.
And if you used this time wisely, you will end up on top. Take this to heart and hopefully it will bring you solace and inner peace like it did me.

By: Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 19:14:34 +0000

In the past 30 days, my wife and I have been laid off. I was one of the 12,000 “surplused” by AT&T Mobility after closing the top two largest deals in my group valued at $3.5MM over their terms. Last year, a major account sales rep who finished in top five in the U.S. was laid off. She was given a stay of execution when somone apparently remembered that they cannot lay off a “Circle of Excellence” winner from the year before. Don’t expect these executive decisions to make sense. Finance and Operatioins decides cutting costs is needed, and H/R becomes the hatchet man. If you think this cannot happen to you, think again. My advice, look at ways to open your own business.

By: Mike, New Orleans, LA

Mike, New Orleans, LA — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 20:38:06 +0000

I’ve read through a number of posts here, and wish to comment:

1. There are a lot of very negative attitudes represented. Don’t get me wrong, I’m very disappointed with how things are going, and I have a great job. That said, if I lose it (which is very possible), it’s not going to change who I am, and what I know I’m capable of. I will succeed long run – and I’m 55 now, and seen a hell of a lot of situations that I could have made me just give up. To paraphrase Winston Churchill: “never give up, Never Give Up; NEVER GIVE UP.”

2. Annie’s comments are right on – but need to go further. You have to look in the mirror. Are you the “one” that people only tolerate because you’re a roadblock to the companies’ success – or are you the person who gets it done no matter what? If you’re the former, start packing.

3. Exercise/other ‘life’/family is what recharges your batteries. We’re in a period where hard – and more importantly, productive work (it’s not the same thing) is going to count more than ever. You need to spend the off time getting recharged. Quit watching TV – these guys get paid to provide the worst picture of everything!!

For a lot of people that have posted so far – you really need to look in the mirror. If you were doing the hiring, would you hire you – or someone else? You can only know that in your heart. If the answer is “I’d hire someone else” – then you have personal work to do.

Never forget that employers owe you only a paycheck for work performed – but that’s all you owe them as well. Hopefully, at the end of each day, you and the employer are even. If you want a better life, use your brain and go get it.

One thing to consider amidst the gloom and doom that you hear every day: The lead edge of the Baby Boom Generation is now 63 years old. There will be large scale retirements in the next few years. There will be great jobs available. Will you be ready to take one of them???

By: Jason. Bonita. FL

Jason. Bonita. FL — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 19:17:14 +0000

Trust in God, nothing is possible without Him.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

By: Charlie Los Angeles, CA

Charlie Los Angeles, CA — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 19:04:47 +0000

Somehow, someway, we all make it thru. It’s just a matter of time. As many grannies used to say:”This shall pass too”.

By: Anne in Houston

Anne in Houston — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 18:28:11 +0000

I survived the first round of layoffs, but I’m younger and know I may not survive the second round should it happen. This all makes for a very paranoid and anxious environment. On the lighter side, with job hours capped, I have finally regained the work life balance I have missed for the past two years. So despite the gloom, I finally have a life outside of work and noticed I am overall happier. Good luck to everyone out there.

By: Connie Pignatiello, Hartford, CT

Connie Pignatiello, Hartford, CT — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:34:43 +0000

A piece of advice for those faced with job loss in 2009…hope for the best and plan for the worst. Hopefully, your job will be secure in 2009, if not take the time now to do some soul searching. A layoff can be the best thing for many who struggle everyday in a job that they hate. Look at it as an opportunity to train for a new career that you will love. You may have to work more or longer hours but you’ll love every minute of it!!

By: Kam, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Kam, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:36:37 +0000

I live by one rule when the new year hits – “do what you did last year, better this year” – there’s a reason I still have a job and there must be something I’m doing right, so I just have to do it better. There’s a lot of uncertainty and volatility in the market right now, but unless you’re planning on cashing your savings in the next 5 to 10 years you don’t have to worry!! I know, watching the news and the headlines doesn’t help…then don’t watch it!! It’s as simple as that. I’m 27, I have investments and savings and RRSPs and trust me it’s not easy to watch them lose value…BUT I also know that I can’t control it, so I decided to stick to my plan and keep on doing what I’ve been doing. If this makes you feel any better, at the start of this year I increased my contributions – RRSPs & Savings – by 25%!! That’s how confident I am that this downturn will bring about a “rebound” from which only the patient one will prosper. Also I agree with everything from the article, one main thing I’ve learned over the years is live on your needs and NOT your wants…living on our wants has gotten us to where we are!!! Few things I wanted to share …Keep smiling everyone, good times are around the corner …

By: Michael Riordan, Knoxville,TN

Michael Riordan, Knoxville,TN — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:29:09 +0000

2009 will be fantastic. 23009 will be fantastic. 2009 will be fantastic. 2009 will be fantastic. 2009 will be fantastic. 2009 will be fantastic. 2009 will be fantastic. There. I REALLY think that’s what America needs. A new attitude and positive thought. What if everyone just started particiapting in the recovery? What would happen then? It does just happen like that. Period.

By: Indra, Vilnius, Lithuania

Indra, Vilnius, Lithuania — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 05:21:46 +0000

Dear Annie: I’ve just finished reading a book, which is actually a true helping hand. “Money Drunk/ Money Sober: 90 days to Financial Freedom” by Mark Bryan and Julia Cameron. It points out false attitudes and different manners to dismantle one’s solvency creatively and suggests how to (re)gain control of one’s own finances. Having these tools (counting expenditures, searching for a new source for income and oth.), I try to stay calm and not to overemphasize the things happening abroad.

That means, I keep doing my morning warm-ups, exercise my voice (since I am to be a singer), eat with all the selfdiscipline that I need (which is essential after suffering from eating disorders for almost a decade) and share my anxiety, worries and accomplishments with my sister who doesn’t let any crisis come into her house.

Humans are complex and worthy creatures, and they have all they need to get such kind of changes through. In fact, they need them in order to wake up and rethink. What do we really need? What do we really want? Honestly, how do we feel? What do we really, trully love? Put monthly income concerns aside for a second, what are we living for? It makes sense for me to ask these questions each day in order to know my direction and to feel the sense of living and working on this planet. Indeed, it’s a nice place.

For this week, I use a motto: “Do The Next Right Thing”. Good luck for everyone! (-:

By: Annie

Annie — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 02:00:42 +0000

Don’t forget, we’re talking about temporary measures here — that is, ways to weather the current economic crisis and keep your job. Sacrificing work-life balance over the long run would indeed be a mistake, but in (what we hope is) a short-term situation, it might be necessary. Then again, maybe not. If you’re already indispensable to your employer, you don’t need to worry about it.

By: Striving for Balance, Auburn Hills, MI

Striving for Balance, Auburn Hills, MI — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 01:57:17 +0000

There seems to be a bit of contradiction in the advice of the executive coach’s tips. Tip # 7 says “For now, forget about work-life balance”. Then tip # 10 says to “Get enough sleep, eat right, and take time to work out a few times a week”. That would imply an essential balance.

As point # 10 explains, I am the “product”. I need to take care of myself first and forgetting about work-life balance is the worst advice I can think of. Our employer’s will not take care of us, so we need to take care of ourselves first. If we do not, we will end up not being of value to anyone and will probably end up losing our jobs because we bring no value. If that happens to a person that has been sacrificing health, family, etc. then they may not have a family to fall back on, will no longer have health insurance to take care of their poor health, etc.

We have to remember that we work to live. If we live to work, if that work goes away, what will we have then? Work is a means to an end, but if we are not careful it could lead to our end.

By: Jason, Breakfast, PA

Jason, Breakfast, PA — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 01:33:00 +0000

#1 – create successes. My #1 also, working out provides me personal challenges, goals, stress relief, health benefits, and noticeable results (all ASIDE from similar work items that you sometimes have no influence above). This doesn’t just apply to the gym; if you make it on time somewhere, catch a favorite show on tv, eat a favorite meal, talk to a friend on the phone – these are all simple successes.

As a whole, I put life into two categories – those who have to work, and those who don’t.
Very separate outcomes, goals, and attitudes for both. I believe this article portrays the former.

#7 FOR NOW, forget about work-life balance. The key here is FOR NOW. Again, more a concern for those who have to work. Prioritize what you need to do, what you want to do, and what you would like to do. Working for a living, OR raising a family for a living are very different circumstances. Choose your poison. Ultimately those who choose both of these will have to weigh heavier on the perks of their job (hours, benefits, telecommute, travel, learning).

Remember, this article is focused on those who are worried about losing jobs. It’s not intended to give pissed off, ungrateful employees an opt-out. Although it seems jaded, it has much truth to it. Take #2 of setting short-term goals – This give you an awesome perspective on where you stand in the company…If the Manager/Boss recognizes your willingness, records your initiatives, welcomes your opinions, and perpetuates your efforts, then you are more likely in a better position than co-workers. Sometimes doing a “great job, great effort” leaves you out to dry. You need to thoroughly understand what your department/company/boss does, and how to counteract their deficiencies effectively.

By: Ronald-Irvine,CA

Ronald-Irvine,CA — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:23:37 +0000

the only way to survive…..beleive in God and pray to him your needs…not wants. God is control of everybody and everything on the earth.

By: playing with many currencies

playing with many currencies — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:22:21 +0000

Every company has X amout of work to be done. It hires someone to do that work. If X requires work after hours, and you decide not to do it by turning off communications, the company will find someone that does the difference if they can afford it. It’s the workers that decide to work the extra hours based on fear, greed or ambition. Raises and promotions tend to be around 3-5%? but leaving and going to another company tends to be around 10-20%. DO NOT work extra hours if you are not learning something or meeting someone that you will be able to leverage to excel or obtain your next job. Your boss doesnt care about you. He will hang out out to dry to save himself. So will the corporation or business entity itself. You need to understand that you are a company as well and your employment is a contract where both parties need to be satisfied. If not they are not honoring thier contract with you and you will leave at the drop of a hat. You dont care if you havent secured future employment because you have kept your costs low and there are other forms of currency other than greenbacks.
If you have too many costs you are overleveraged for your financial position. Shame on you. Working your way out of it will not work. It will only keep you on the hamster wheel. You need to refactor your situation. File for bankruptcy. My father spent years trying to pay back his debt after he let the tenticles of the financial system grab him. He will never get them back but after bankrupcy he took off for the carribean and he lives near a river in a small hut and he’s never been happier. We dont need these flat screens and lattes. You could probably live a happier life if you took your children to a “third-world” country and worked as a translator or some business liason to the U.S. until which point you have fixed the fundamentals of your situation and return if you like.

By: Bro In Christ, Hayward, CA

Bro In Christ, Hayward, CA — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:17:52 +0000

Dear Annie: I am one of those overly optimistic indivduals. Although the economic situation looks bleak, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. All it takes is one spark from one sector of the economy and we can gradually get back on track. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare for the good like we do for the worst. It’s all about attitude and planning. Employers and customers love a positive attitude and game plan. In Matthew chapter 11, verse 28 thru 80, Jesus Christ extended the greatest invitation to mankind. People should read it and take him up on the invite. Trust me, your life, work, attitude and future will start to look much brighter. You have to stay cool and relaxed in the mist of the storm if you plan to find your way to quiet waters. God loves you and so do I!

By: Domingo J. Fernandez, West Babylon, Long Island,New York

Domingo J. Fernandez, West Babylon, Long Island,New York — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:55:02 +0000

2009 WILL BE HORRENDOUS FINANCIALLY AND OTHERWISE. IT IS SHAPING UP THAT WAY AS WE ALL CAN SEE BY WHAT WE READ OR HEAR IN THE NEWS. I FEEL SORRY FOR THOSE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE JUST SURVIVING AND HAVING NIGHTMARES ABOUT LOSING THEIR JOBS AND THUS THEIR WAY OF LIVING. THE OPTIMISM OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WHICH IS WHAT HAS SUSTAINED OUR REPUBLIC IS VANISHING. CAN IT BE BACK? YES IT WILL BE BACK BUT IT IS GOING TO TAKE SEVERAL YEARS. THIS IS A BIG BLOW!!!

By: Christine, Dallas, TX

Christine, Dallas, TX — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:34:19 +0000

I wish that an employee’s hardwork and dedication made them layoff-proof; however, in large corporations it’s not “individuals” that are let go, it is “positions.” At my Fortune 100 company, I have seen so many top-notch talented people let go because the “position” was eliminiated. Regardless of how hard one works, being in a large company is a huge risk in times like these.

By: Annie

Annie — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:23:24 +0000

Julie, this is a tricky one, because it varies so much from one company to another. That is, what is accepted in one place may be a career-buster somewhere else. Over the years, I’ve run across some successful executives who have managed to draw a firm line around their personal/family time and let everyone else “just deal with it” — usually by working very long hours during the week but keeping the weekends sacrosanct, no work except in a real emergency (the CEO got indicted, the office is on fire…) — or else have managed to keep two or three hours during weeknight evenings for family only, usually by getting up really early and answering the previous evening’s e-mail at, say, 5:30 a.m.
But it’s hard. As you say, we’ve become slaves to technology, which is always ON — so we’re expected to be “on” 24/7 as well, particularly in global companies where colleagues may be spread across multiple time zones. Without making an announcement about it or anything (!), you could try just turning off your cell phone/BlackBerry/laptop for a couple of hours every night and *not* responding to everybody right away. Odds are good the world won’t come to an end. You might even find a few coworkers following your lead. It’s worth a try.