How to Lose the Fear of Being Fired

Millions of people are praying every day that their jobs don't fall victim to low demand, outsourcing, downsizing or any other sudden catastrophes. The nature of post-modern global business means few jobs are really guaranteed anymore, and within the general realm of job anxiety, some fear being "fired." Here are some ways to rest easier about the possibility of getting the axe.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Find high-demand jobs that can't be outsourced. Websites like Fast Company reveal lists of jobs that are projected to be in demand for several years. Medical jobs rank high, as do web designers and similar planning occupations. Since the on-site medical jobs can't be easily outsourced, they are more reliable than tech jobs, most of which can be sent anywhere.

2. Get desired skills. Going along with the hunt for high-demand jobs, it's also a good idea to get skills that employers will value. Getting certifications in these skills is even better. Investing in your own job worth will make you more confident about the chances of having to look for another job, and alleviate your fears over being fired.

3. Save up. When you are employed, use your money wisely. Spend toward assets that will hold value, so that if you have to restructure your financial life for any reason, you'll have an easy landing.

4. Cultivate good relationships with supervisors and managers. This is critical if you want to sleep well at night, and it will help your job flow more smoothly, too. You don't have to be everyone's best friend, but having good discussions with superiors about the future of the business and developing close relationships with coworkers will make you harder to fire and give you more job confidence.

5. Hedge your bets. Lots of workers these days have more than one employer, minimizing their risk if their job should disappear out from under them. If you know that your job is a little sketchy, whether due to relationships or demand for the products and services you provide, it's good to start looking for a moonlighting job that you can transition into if necessary.

6. See trends before they develop. One really important tool in losing your fear of being fired is to always scan the horizon for changes. Always evaluate how the goods and services you provide are valued, and if possible, talk to superiors about changing the company to keep it competitive. Staying relevant is a team effort, and keeping your job means helping out in promoting the business you work for.

7. Rely on your family or community. If you're married, be frank with your spouse about realities as they develop. If you're single in a group rent house or other communal situation, team up with others to provide security. Having an outside safety net will make you feel more confident if you're worried about losing your job for any reason.

[robertsloan2]

on 11/6/2008 All good advice, but one of the best strategies I've ever seen is to build up a side income doing something else freelance. Then if you do get fired, throw plenty of time and effort into your sideline -- it might grow into a good occupation and you'll never be fired again.

I know a great many people who did this to build security and were so successful that they eventually walked away from their jobs because they were earning more at their sideline. My daughter, a successful copywriter, is among them.