The only way to protect your job security is to be the boss.

Deprong Mori

I'm sorry, but looking at other opportunities does absolutely nothing to protect your current job security.

It does give you the slightest advantage if you are laid off, but when there is a large candidate pool, employers can afford to be choosy. A buyers' market versus a sellers' market. Employers will lean toward hiring the most qualified candidate, the one with the most amount of relevant experience.

Several things are being mixed together here: your ability to protect your job, your fiscal preparation in the event of a layoff, and your diligence in looking for new career opportunities are all related to a recession. The latter two have nothing to do with your employer's willingness to let you go in a Reduction In Force.

Deprong Mori

Force reductions are rare in government work. (Knock on wood.)

zolielo

@BMRFILE: Agreed. But it doesn't hurt to make sure you have other opportunities on the horizon. Make sure your resume is constantly updated out make sure you're looking at new opportunities, tracking the trends in your particular industry. You never know - in some places (like my area and field, for example) you can afford to be picky. At the same time, don't be afraid to take risks and train up for other aspects of your industry - the more skills you have under your belt, the more you can choose what you'd like to do and which areas in which you'd like to search for work.

phoenix

@Deprong Mori: Couldn't agree more.

But if you must work for someone, always pay close attention to the trends that are shifting in your particular field. Many people are eliminated and are forced to change a career because they didn't see the layoffs/downsizing coming. You can't ever cruise in your career. It's a upstream battle.

BMRFILE

@BMRFILE: I also agree. You should be aware of what's going on at your company, pay some attention to the rumor mill and watch for warning signs:

Did they just let go all or some of the contractors?
Did one of your big clients suddenly put all their projects on indefinite hold?
Is there a sudden focus on increased productivity (billable hours vs. available hours)?
Are they asking people to take time off? Paid or unpaid?
Is there an increase in the duration or frequency of senior staff meetings?
Is your HR person suddenly being invited to senior staff meetings?
Are the consumable perks (Free sodas, free snacks, "Pizza Fridays") dwindling or disappearing?
Did they lay off people in other departments?

MercuryPDX

If a company is in trouble, the most glaring detail is that the best and brightest employees are the first to leave and do so on their own terms, before layoffs. They will see the writing on the wall and there will be a significant brain drain.

The next tier of great employees are the ones who aren't laid off, but who leave on their own accord shortly thereafter.

Deprong Mori

Funny timing, I wrote up my "survival guide" when I was laid off back in 2002 and never did anything with it. I've just put it up on Scribd tonight:

[www.scribd.com]

It's a free download and pretty much on the exact same topic, so I hope that's not spammy. :)

[www.commutesmarter.com]

Duane

First - I don't know where you all live, but here in Kansas the economy is good and unemployment is low (in the 3.5-4.0 range). One of the biggest problems in several sectors is finding enough people to fill the openings.

Second - keeping your resume up-to-date is a good idea, but it won't help you keep your job. There are a whole host of things that will help you in that area, like doing a good job, making sure you have good visibility and recognition of that good job you're doing, and being on top of the political situation at work.

walt.eis