I've had several calls over the past week from professionals concerned about the security of their existing job and wondering "what's out there"? These calls are of course prompted by the economic uncertainty that surrounds us. I know there are many, many more employees in the market who are wondering the same thing. Many of them are spending valuable time at work investigating the possibilities . . . Many are becoming more vulnerable because of their lack of focus and contribution. It's more obvious to those around you than you know.
"What's out there?" Not much. Very little. There are of course some exceptions.
My advice is to not only keep your existing job, but starting performing better at it . . . right now. Become indispensable. If you're unsure what more you can be doing, I heartily recommend that you go talk with your boss. Ask your boss if there's anything else you can be doing to contribute and help your company through these times. Start showing up a little earlier and/or stay a little later. Work harder. Be (much) more focused on customer service, no matter what your job. Make sure you do your part to insure that your company keeps their existing clients (customers) very happy. Go out of your way to be better and help those around you to be better. Quit spending so much time on Facebook . . . find a way to contribute.
I hear about how low morale is in agencies and client side corporations. There is a justifiable concern in the marketing and advertising industry that jobs are being lost, clients are cutting back and there's an uncertainty in the air. Stop poisoning your professional environment with negativity. There's no place for it, it's counterproductive and makes you and your company vulnerable. Tell any fellow employees who are perpetuating that low morale to "get over it"! (If they don't like their job or their employer, they can always leave!)
Focus, work harder and earn that paycheck! Business is still being conducted out there . . . many companies continue to thrive and some are even growing. Do whatever you can to make sure your employer is one of those. Become indispensable to the effort.
Every business owner and every employee at every level is worried about the economy and how it might affect their job. This could be the worst economy we'll see in our professional lives. Don't dwell on uncertainty and the negative . . . there's absolutely nothing we can do about the economic climate, aside from doing our job better. Just focus on what you can control. Become indispensable.
