Rules for keeping a job for a long time?

Question

What do you recommend to do in a job, in order to not get laid off and increase the chances of staying a few years (US)?

Answer 1

Do not be late else you would be laid.

Answer 2

Understandably, there are any number of suggestions which have come forth from other contributor responses. And unfortunately, everyone is subject to unexpected changes in the economy and therefore, there is no sure job which is not subject to possible elimination due to corporate downsizing. The best advice is to become well-trained as a "generalist,"
wearing many hats and should that time arrive, when you are laid-off, you can spring back into another occupation due to your broad general experience level. Being a specialist does in fact, limit your job opportunities down the road should you meet sudden changes in your job stability.

Good luck!

Answer 3

To be honest, the economy is not designed for long-term employment. The average person may be expected to change jobs several times over their career path. The days of working your 20 and getting a gold watch are gone. Companies can be sold right out from under you, without your knowledge. Just ask those people who work for the automotive business...more and more of their jobs are going overseas. Even call centers are opening outside of the US, and the phone lines are going out of the country...and not in.

But...if your trust is in Jesus Christ...you may experience a downturn in the economy...but he will make a way for those who are his.

True story. Good friend of mine was tired of his job with a communications firm, and was facing a layoff. OVERNIGHT a new division was created, and he was brought in as one of the key employees. The rest of the company continue to struggle AFTER he went to the new division...with one of the other divisions being spun off, and the entire staff fired.

Be thankful where you are. You may not be there tomorrow.

Companies now are looking at veteran employees to get rid of them. If you have five or more years on a job, management is looking to cut labor/insurance costs. If you are 'vested'...meaning you have reached the mark where you could retire at half salary...be even MORE aware.

Many companies are too focused on the bottom line. Veteran employees are shoved out the door (or are forced out the door) to bring in college grads with NO people skills. Then the managers are 'shocked' that the public is screaming for THEIR scalps. Part/Full timers are sought through temporary agencies, at a REDUCED salary, to do the same job you do. I worked in one place where I did the best I could...ONLY to have someone promoted over me with less experience BUT an advanced degree. I have had people I know who have been overlooked for promotion BUT were GOOD enough to 'help' train their NEW boss...who had a Master's degree...AND who left the position in six/seven months for a BETTER job. Thus, the person who 'trained' them, was placed in the position of training ANOTHER newbie with a Masters.

Be yourself, and be a good employee, if you want to keep a job. Get to work on time, work--don't socialize too much--and keep your resume fine tuned. Plus, develop a meaningful contact list outside of your company...a network. One you can help and one you can be helped by.

Remember, you can do everything right...and STILL get fired because someone who is less qualified will get your job. I personally know of a muckety muck's son who is physically challenged who was HIRED to do a job which required extreme mobility...and they saddled HIS duties onto able-bodied employees to keep 'peace'. No, it was not fair. But, that's life...and God can't give you a better job until you serve your time in the job you have.

It might be time for you to start your own business...or at least explore your other options. The better your education and the better your contacts...the better your chances of landing a better job.

BTW...keep your 'talking points' to a minimum on the job about you looking for new employment. IF management gets wind; they may 'blow' you out a lot quicker. Just be cool...and be your best.

Answer 4

Just follow the rules and the most important is love your job.

Answer 5

Always make your boss look good !

Answer 6

Not many. Should be sincere and have the will. Is staying in U.S your ambition? Can gain the same anywhere.

Answer 7

All of the above, and it will help to choose a profession that is in high demand and difficult to outsource or become obsolete.

Answer 8

1) Don't steal. This includes minor office supplies and claiming more hours than you actually worked.

2) Do your best to get along with co-workers. I recently read an article on this and it suggested 'budgeting' for lunches and other sundries with coworkers to foster good relations.

3) Focus on what the company needs, not on what you need.

4) Listen to your boss and your bosses boss and do your best to do what they want/need you to do.

5) Always fess up when you've made a mistake, even a big one. Taking the lead on damage control is much better and less stressful than worrying about 'land mines'.

6) This is probably the most important: Keep as good of an attitude as you possibly can. A positive, can do attitude will do wonders for your work environment, how you are percieved by others and how you feel about yourself and your work.

Answer 9

Wish I could say there WAS a rule in keeping your job. Unfortunately, if they are downsizing, or if there is no work, there is no escape.....but....it seems that if you DO suck up to the immediate boss, the chances of you staying are pretty good. You will probably get a promotion too. And I really don't like suck ups, they are spineless wimps!!!

Answer 10

Be sure to own up to any mistakes & try to fix them asap, go the extra mile without expecting praise or compliments, and most importantly, treat the job as YOUR job, not just A job. (In other words, be able to take pride in your work!!) Corny as it sounds, this usually is wanted & rewarded by bosses. Every boss I've ever had has said they hated to see me go, and that I had a job back with them whenever I wanted.

Answer 11

i would say punctuality is very important, doing your job to the best of your ability, wanting to learn more (eager), helping others, its not that hard to figure out; just do your job and what they ask of you