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According to Business Dictionary.com, job security is defined as: " assurance (or lack of it) that an employee has about the continuity of gainful employment for his or her work life . It may also be affected by general economic conditions ." Reading this definition helped me realize that I have something in common with most of the people in this country and in other parts of the world: I am naturally concerned about what would happen if my employer decided they no longer needed my services. I, like millions of others, have financial obligations, plans for the future, and rely on money to live day to day. Sadly enough, my career is only as safe as I make it and its safety is not my employer's responsibility.
Recently, I've heard of whole teams having been displaced, departments closing down, and individual locations closing their doors. Unfortunately, I know some of the employees who've been impacted in these instances. It doesn't matter whether it's an entire building or one person on a team, losing your job can have negative, devastating impacts.
Acknowledging that job security is being gainfully employed and that it is impacted by economic conditions, I've had to ask myself a tough question: Do I really have job security? My response is, "no," I do not. Although I am gainfully employed in a challenging economic time, I am not guaranteed a job. I was told in my previous role that my job was safe and I am being told the same thing now, but businesses change as well as the minds of those who are responsible for leading them. How then can I depend on others to be responsible for my future? In short, I don't feel like I can, so I had to make the following changes:
- I needed to be realistic. Asking myself what I would do if I lost my job today literally changed my life. The answer to that question helped me realize that my main source of income could be gone in a matter of minutes. Now that I'm aware of how fragile my future can be in the hands of others, I've incorporated options that involve additional revenue generation. Instead of spending time worrying about losing my job, I currently spend time on those "options" outside of my 9-5.
- I now have a back-up plan. I've come to realize that I can't make excuses for myself if my goal is to be successful. Gaining perspective for me has meant that I need to have a plan with my employer as well as a plan without my employer. I now network with a purpose, have other sources of income, and am working towards a career change.
- I'm learning to deny myself the "extras." Having discipline when it comes to spending is important. The less money you spend, the more money you have. This is easier said than done, but I'm learning that there is a difference between a want and a need. I see things that I want every single day, but I have to ask myself whether or not I need it and can I truly afford it.
If you've never asked yourself about job security, perhaps now is a good time to do so. Your answers to the tough questions might surprise you, but at least you'll know. Awareness and knowledge make a powerful combination, so don't be afraid to place your destiny as well as security in your own hands. You could very well be loyal to your employer but the greater question is how loyal is your employer to you?
More from this contributor:
Where is Your Career Taking You?
Are You Playing It Too Safe At Work?
Are You Ticking Off Your Boss?
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