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Outlasting Layoff

You see layoffs and you know they exist but the mindset is always: That won’t happen to me. Not to scare you, but layoffs are always a distinct possibility and could happen to anybody, sometimes to someone who least expects it.

With the crisis nowadays, it is best to be prepared for any eventuality. Especially with the current economy behaving more and more like a roller coaster, a backup plan is always essential in the event that Plan A backfires.

So what should you do to make sure that this won’t happen to you? Better yet, what back up plan do you have in case the unpleasant occurs?

First of all, the key to keeping a job is simple: Work hard and work well. Basic? Yes. But it’s also the most effective. Let your employers see how productive you are and how much an asset your presence is to the company. That way, when the subject of letting employees go comes up, you would be the last on their minds.

However, regardless of whether you are the employee of the month or not, it is better to keep savings. No matter how lucrative a job is, it is always good to know that you have a nice amount of stash to fall on to when the non-productive days come. Also, try to pay off your debts while your income still allows it. Its bad enough being in between jobs, owing money you can’t really pay just makes it worse.

Be versatile and learn new skills. Nowadays, a jack of all trades is much in demand.  

Make plans. Update your resume as early as today so that you won’t have to bother doing it again. You might think this move borders on pessimism, but not really. Eventually, you will find out that being prepared is always better in the long run.

Being the Leader in the Workplace

So you’re the group chief.

Being the group leader is a tough job. It requires a precarious balance between being your subordinates “friend” and being the “boss”. Both facets require different attitudes and balancing the two is half the battle of earning the term “leader”.

As the boss, knowing where to draw the line is a very big factor. Even a bigger one is informing you’re subordinates that there is a line. As mentioned, two faces must be in equilibrium.  

The Friend Face

This attitude basically reflects that you are the type of boss that the team members can go to. It’s the emphatic side, the part that listens to work related problems and gives advices. The friend face makes sure that each team member is comfortable around the group, therefore making them freer when voicing out opinions. A good leader knows that terrorizing the employee won’t really work. Terror doesn’t let the creative juices flow, it freezes it. As a leader, it’s your job to stimulate those brain cells into working for the betterment of a project.

The Boss Face

This is the face that abides by the rules. As mentioned above, being the boss is knowing where to draw the line. You have good repertoires with your subordinates, yes. You communicate well with them and they generally treat you as a friend. But when it comes to work, then professionalism takes center stage. As a leader, you let them know what their role in the team is and what is expected of them. Being friends with the boss doesn’t mean mistakes would be easily forgotten. When a subordinate makes an error, then a warning is in order. If done again, then perhaps it is time to take disciplinary actions. 

Tips On Being A Freelancer

Being a Freelancer – Is it for you?

Freelancing?

It almost sounds too good to be true. Without the constant presence of a boss, no overtime, you don’t get stuck in an office from nine to five or you don’t have to wear that stuffy business suit, being an independent contractor means you get to choose you work and do it at your own pace.

But before grabbing that paper and writing out a resignation letter, it is best to considers all angles prior to going into the wild world of freelancing.

First of all, is this what you really want to do? It may sound all good right now, but freelancing requires a large amount of work. Basically, a freelancer attracts client by being better and faster than their local work force. Unlike your basic trade establishment, as an agent, you get to produce, market, do an account of earnings and write reports of your business. In short, you’re the whole company! Flexibility is a major issue when working for multiple companies so well honed interpersonal skills are must!

Another important thing to consider before making that big jump is the clients. More importantly – where to get them? You’re client base would basically come from you’re current professional network. Friends and acquaintances could also help you start your new career choice. Working independently would mean handling the marketing side yourself. Luckily, with the dawn of new age, this isn’t as hard as it used to be. What’s the World Wide Web for if not to communicate with other people through wide ranges thorough the safe comfort of your very own home.

So before making that big career choice of being your own boss, it’s important to analyze all the pros and cons of being a freelancer. The benefits might sound good but like any other job, it requires patience, perseverance and a little bit of luck.

Highly Regarded Skills in Workplace

It’s not just enough that you do your job, it’s important that you do it well. Although they may not look it, employers are always looking out for employees who show certain type of skills that could be beneficial to the company. These skills play a major factor in getting hired – or promoted so it is best to cultivate these little talents to keep your career going strong.

Flexibility Factor

The ability to juggle or perform a number of assignments efficiently, flexibility not only showcases a sharp brain but also an organized one. It also talks of the aptitude to adapt or change course depending on the needs of the company, making a flexible employee a very handy person have around incase plan A backfires.

Office Relationships/Teamwork/ Communication Skills

Sometimes, having good rapport with officemates is taken for granted, thinking that this is only natural when working inside a common workplace. However, when team projects come calling in, being “friends” with officemates will come in handy. Cooperation which is the key factor in teamwork is much easier when you don’t feel awkward with other team members.

Responsibility Factor

You do your job, you do it well and you do it ON time. In accounting, there’s this factor called “Timeliness” which basically means that no matter how relevant information is, if it’s late, then it’s worthless. This is also true with other job assignments. Being on time showcases a sense of responsibility, of knowing what the company expects of you and delivering it. Employers highly value this skill because finding someone you can trust with a project is rarely found.

Works without a Boss

The statement says it all. Employers look for people who can work without them constantly hovering on the employees back. Being able to perform well without supervision highly suggests self motivation – a very exceptional trait nowadays.