Six Job Warning Signs
The economic recession is causing panic, with workers wondering if they will be handed the dreaded pink slip next. But, rather than wait, there are six warning signs for you to see if you’re in danger of a job lay off.
- Diminishing Clients – When your company loses long-term clients, profits will naturally suffer. If these clients aren’t replaced, then it’s a clear sign that business isn’t going very well. Extended periods of stagnating business will force company restructuring which could involve a company lay off.
- Diminishing Value – Can your current skills lead you to other positions in the company? What impact does your job have? Do you get positive performance reviews? Do you work well with colleagues? The answers to these questions give you a general idea of your value as a worker. If your skills are limited to just your current position or if your position yields little benefits to the company, your job may be in danger. It also won’t help if your performance reviews are down or if you can’t work well with your team.
- Diminishing Work – If some of your work is slowly being transferred to other employees, leaving you with more free time, your company may be preparing for your exit.
- Increased openings for entry level workers – When a company starts offering more positions for entry-level applicants without offering positions for experienced workers, it’s a sign that the company is undergoing cost-cutting measures by hiring less experienced and therefore cheaper workers. A company lay off could be up next.
- Threat of Mergers – If your company is left with no choice but to merge with a rival company, expect major restructuring on all levels. Many employees from both companies will be sharing the same job positions and to reduce overlapping responsibilities, job lay-offs are expected.
- Friends or relatives losing jobs – Who among your friends and relatives have similar job positions like the one you have and who among them work in related industries? If they suffer from job lay-offs, you may very well be facing the same soon.
What do you do when you notice one or more of these warning signs? Take the initiative by being proactive. Volunteer for more work in your company. You may also take online classes at home to increase your skills and boost your resume. In this way, you’re increasing your value as a worker.
There are times, however, when a job lay off is unavoidable especially when your company folds up. But if you earn advanced degrees through online classes, career opportunities won’t cease because many employers value post-graduate education.
Register now for more information on career training or job openings available to you.
