How To Survive Work When Everyone’s Getting Laid Off

So you survived your company layoffs but now you’re shouldering more responsibility for no more pay. If work is a giant stressfest these days, Fortune magazine’s advice columnist Anne Fisher has some tips.The sad truth is that things are difficult right now, so most of her advice boils down to “buck up and make yourself useful.” For example:

Set 30-day and 60-day goals. Share them with your boss and then, as you get closer to your targets, update him or her on that, too. “Not only will measurable progress keep you upbeat and creative,” [executive coach Deb] Bright notes, but in practical terms, “your boss needs to know what his department is accomplishing, so he has ammunition if someone wants to chop it in half.” Gulp.

How are you dealing with what’s a pretty depressing time at most companies? Are you facing survivor’s guilt PLUS double the job description for the same pay? Tell us your story in the comments.