Protect your Job - Some easy steps to NOT get laid off.

During a recession no job is secure and nobody is immune to corporate downsizing. With a few simple steps you can get out of the cross hairs and save your job and avoid a lay off.  Remember, all it takes is one manager to not like you or notice you slacking off a few times to get your name brought up during those dreaded budget meetings. Follow these steps to get OUT of the spotlight.  Nobody likes lay offs, don't make it easy for them.

Do your job and stay busy! If you have nothing to do don't just sit there gawking at your favorite website. Ask for more work or just try to look busy. Don't get labeled as a slacker, it's a tough one to shake off. 

Don't loiter. Don't hang around in the hallway, break room, or someone else's desk or office no matter how cute she is. Don't get noticed socializing! Be sociable to the big wigs. A simple 'Good morning' or 'Hey, how's it going today' can be all it takes to make people like you. And a well liked person is less likely to get laid off then somebody that isn't liked at all. Become important. This is a tough one but look for something, anything that nobody wants to do and do it. For example, cleaning up around the coffee machine, adding paper to the printer or fax machine, clearing paper jams. One guy in our office is responsible for ordering coffee and supplies and he isn't even in the purchasing department. Don't be cheap. When it comes to birthdays, weddings or whatever, if money is being collected for a party or gift give a few dollars. Don't get labeled as a cheapskate! If you smoke don't hang out in front of the office puffing away! Go around the block, VPs and managers are always going out for meetings or long lunches. Don't let them see you standing outside all the time. Watch your personal hygiene. Don't look as if you just rolled out of bed after a long night of partying. Be professional during office parties. Don't drink too much, or at all. Don't be labeled an alcoholic and don't get 'friendly' with the ladies or guys. Remember, corporate or mass lay offs are happening all over the country, be one of the boys, everyones friend.  Be generous and helpful and most of all, don't get caught slacking off! this isn't the time to be lazy.  For more career and self help articles visit http://www.thecheapbastid.com