How To Make Yourself Fire-Proof

The world saw a bad economic meltdown recently. Most economies are still struggling to come out of the recession. Everywhere there is talk of cuts in government spending and interest rates. In such a scenario, we are lucky that India has maintained its growth rate inspite of the economic recession. But how long will this last? Companies which introduced job cuts last year may be in a hiring position again, but this is no guarantee that there will not be any job cuts in the future.

If you are still with he job that you love, please don't get too comfortable with it. You never know when you might get the axe! Unless you make yourself “fire-proof”.

How To Make Yourself Fire-Proof?

Make Money: If you are in sales, then the simplest way is to make money for your company. No company would wish to lose people who make money. So work hard, go out there and get some serious business for your company.

Save Money: If you are not in sales, worry not. Remember, a penny saved is a penny earned. So if you cannot make money for the company, you can do your bit by saving it. Introduce cost-cuting programmes and take charge of the cost reduction in your company. Make sure your efforts are noticed and appreciated.

Be Seen Working: If you are spending extra hours at work, make sure you do it when there are people around to see. In simple words, if your boss is working late then so should you. Make it a point to never leave before the boss does.

Avoid The Goss-Gang: When it is time to hand out pink slips, the first ones to get the axe are the office gossips. The general perception is that such people don't work hard enough. Do you still want to be a part of the goss gang?

Learn & Innovate: If there's a new technology or skill that can be employed at your job, arm yourself with it before anyone else does. Keep yourself updated and well trained for the job. Enhancing your skills constantly is a good way of avoiding the pink slips.

Be A Team Player: You just HAVE TO get along well with your peers at work. Anyone with team issues is a prime candidate for pink slips. Remember, when it's time to fire even the smallest reason is enough to make a choice.

Get Noticed: Sometimes people do not speak to anyone outside their teams. This can be detrimental to one's career growth. So use occasions like parties/picnics or even lunch hours to network. Go out of your way to meet the seniors and never turn down a chance to met the top guys. You always need people backing you just in case your immediate boss thinks you should go.

Time Off: Reduce your time taken off from work. This does not apply only to your days off. It also applies to the time you waste. Do you spend more than 30 minutes on lunch? Do you often stand around the water cooler or the coffee machine, doing nothing but being seen doing nothing? STOP IT! Spend most of your time in office at your desk and be seen working hard. That is very important!

If you follow these simple guidelines at work, there will be little chance of you ever getting fired. The same guidelines also help you in getting promotions. So no matter what is the state of economy, these guidelines are for all seasons! Good Luck.