Slow Down Fast: Potential Story Angles
Story Angle 4: Hate your job? How not to tank right along with the economy
Tips from a personal lifestyle coach to help erect a person from a professional rut.
There's nothing worse than being in a dead-end job during an economic slump. Hearing those dreaded words "salary freeze" is pretty deflating. Watching good people lose their jobs can cause a person to worry.
So what can a person do when the economy turns for the worse and his productivity at work nosedives along with it?
1. Think about upward mobility.
Right now, company leaders are in a conservative mindset. Instead of setting themselves up as dead weight that needs trimming, workers are advised to look beyond the bad parts of their job to positions that might open down the road. In trying times, survivors prevail. Bohl advises, "Don't let a bleak situation today derail you from promising opportunities tomorrow."
2. Consider making a lateral move.
Companies that are admist reorganization may offer employees the potential to grow laterally. An economic recession might be a good time for workers to investigate what other responsibilities need filling at their place of employment. Even though lateral-move positions may not include a pay increase, it's something to add to a resume which may work advantageously, later.
3. Put the feelers out for job opportunities elsewhere.
Just because the economy is in a slump doesn't mean that the business world is caving in. There are still companies to manage, positions to fill and plenty of work to do. Right now, at some other company, a space may open that another person wasn't able to fill. Bohl recommends stepping in with experience and know-how. He advises that workers keep their eyes open for new opportunities happening on the job sites. "You just never know where your talent may be needed," he says.
4. Build your portfolio.
It can feel downright uncomfortable to show up at work each morning wondering if it may be your last. But Bohl reminds the workforce not to be paralyzed by fear of the unknown. Instead, he advises, "Be proactive. Each day, gather a few portfolio pieces that put you in your best light. Even if you're not in a "creative" job, log your accomplishments. Did you save the company a substantial amount of money? Improve productivity in a big way? Write it down, print it out and take it home. Now is the time to assess where you've been, so you can determine where you're going."
5. Launch a side business to fall back on.
Launching a business takes grit and determination. But if the alternative is arriving at work each day feeling sick about the future, uneasy workers may as well stop worrying and start planning. Bohl suggests that budding entrepreneurs begin with the research. Some tips from one who has built more than one business from the ground up: "Go online after hours, or during your lunch break, and read up on what others in your field have done. Develop a solid business plan and take stock of your finances. The economy may be hurting, but the ideal career may arise sooner than you think."
Headlines may paint a grim picture. But for most, it's business as usual regardless of the economy. The worst thing anyone can do is let rumors and dismal outlooks influence their performance on the job and plans for the future. Those who keep on top of their careers today can be sure that good things will be coming their way tomorrow.
Contact:
David B. Bohl
Reflections Coaching LLC
Slow Down FAST
N77 W28559 Appaloosa Lane
Hartland, Wisconsin 53029
Email: david@slowdownfast.com
Web: http://www.SlowDownFAST.com
