2020 was—ridiculous—in so many ways. The unemployment rate fluctuated along with spikes of the coronavirus. Millions of people lost jobs and fell behind. 2021 has to be better. If you’re looking for a job that has a good work environment or wondering about the one you have, this article will give you some tips on how to know when a job is “safe.”
Tips for Finding a Safe Job
During times of economic doubt, it’s easy and normal to wonder about job security. This can be disruptive to your work, making you worry unnecessarily about what could happen to your job that is out of your control. Here are some signs that your job is safer than you think:
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You have many requests to help others in the organization. If your colleagues turn to you first for advice or job support, that means your work is one of the pillars that the organization relies upon. If you’re worried about your job security, ask yourself how often you’re asked to supply an extra set of hands to your organization.
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Have you learned new skills lately? Adding skills means you add value, something that every employer looks for in their teams. You don’t need to wait for your employer to sponsor your learning, either; there are all kinds of free or low-cost classes online that can help you polish your skills.
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Do you get along with your coworkers? If you cause or participate in gossip or create ripples in the company that caused friction, it’s like putting a target on your back. Employers have a lot of other things to worry about besides employee friction, so ask yourself if you’re one of the problems or a part of the solution? This will be a critical clue as to whether your job is safe for the long haul.
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Does your boss rely on you? Do you deliver skills that compliment his or her work? Is your work unique or something others can’t replicate? Think about redundancy in your organization. If your work fills organizational holes, you can feel more confident that your job is safer than you might imagine.
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Are you a critical lynchpin on your team? Does the work you do support multiple teams or enable other functions in the organization? If multiple people rely on you and your output, it’s more likely that your job is safe and that managers will defend your role even when times get tough and layoffs are considered.
If you're worried about your job security, it's okay to check in with your employer or manager about how you're doing. It's a great habit to add to your repertoire, especially when the economy is on the downswing. Understanding where you stand is a critical part of feeling like your job is secure. Getting feedback from a supervisor can help set your mind at ease or give you important areas to work on to improve.
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the economy or the field you're in simply experiences a downturn. You may have felt safe in your job for all the reasons we've described and still fall victim to a layoff. That's where People Plus can help. If the job doesn’t feel safe and you’re worried, or if the environment you’re in just doesn’t fit, call us. We have positions available that can help you meet your job goals.