Working World

When the economy stumbles, working people everywhere tend to ask the same question — “Is there anything I can do to protect myself and my family during an economic downturn?” The answer, we believe, is yes! Working World hopes you’ll take advantage of our 20 tips for riding out the stormy seas of recession.

1. Are you feeling the urge to quit your job and look for greener pastures? Now may not be the best time — unless you have a solid offer of something better. Hang in there until the economic picture brightens.

2. Are rumors of imminent layoffs circulating through your workplace? It’s time to rebuild your job -hunting network. Touching base with former coworkers and old friends is a good way to hear about job opportunities.

3. Reduce your nonessential spending. Save money by cutting back on cable TV, restaurants, entertainment and weekend getaways. Do you really need that HDTV?

Here are some better uses for your spare cash:

4. Build up your six-month emergency fund. Try to sock away enough cash to pay your basic bills for six months or more. It could take that long to find a new job.

5. Is your job-hunting wardrobe showing its age? Time to freshen up your look. You want to dress for success on interviews and at job fairs. Here’s a little trick for getting the most from your business wardrobe dollar: You can spend less on major items, like a suit or dress, if you spruce them up with quality accessories like belts, scarves and ties.

6. Make sure your car is running well. While the paychecks are still coming is the best time for overdue maintenance or repairs. Car trouble is the last thing you want when you’re on your way to a job interview or employment agency.

7. Clear out the stuff you never use from your closets, attic, basement or garage and sell it. Online markets like eBay or Craigslist are a great way to generate cash without leaving home.

8. Resist using your credit cards. Pay off or reduce credit card balances. If you fall victim to a recession cutback, you don’t want to hurt your credit rating or waste money on interest payments and late fees.

9. Find out what monies or benefits will be coming to you if you’re laid off. Will you be entitled to severance payments, 401(k) or pension funds, unemployment insurance benefits, or health coverage under a COBRA plan?

Here are a few good ways to make your present job more secure:

10. Make yourself indispensable. You want them to think, as they scan the list of employees for lay-off candidates: “We can’t afford to lose Ralph (or Rosa). The department would fall apart.”

11. Vocational training is a far better way to spend discretionary income than a fancy vacation or a car you can’t afford. Do anything to increase your usefulness for your employer and you will open the door to new job opportunities and horizons.

Go above and beyond your job description.

12. Help your coworkers whenever you can. Be willing to go the extra mile. Make it easier for others to do their jobs and you’ll be too darn valuable to lose.

13. It doesn’t hurt to expose yourself to jobs other than your own. The more versatile you are, the more valuable you are.

14. Don’t hide your light under a bushel. Blow your own horn. Let them know your contributions to the success and survival of the company. Record your accomplishments in a Diary of Success.

15. Be impeccable in your public — that is, visible — interactions at work. Polish your telephone, email and correspondence manners.

16. We all get a little lax after a few years on the job. Tighten up on punctuality, workspace neatness, not stretching the lunch hour and getting back to callers.

17. Become more customer-driven. Not just the company’s customers — your coworkers and supervisors are your customers, too. Serve them well.

18. While you’re still employed, work on your job-hunting package. Update your resume and review your cover letters for professionalism and sparkle. Why not get some quality photos of yourself showing a bright, positive, well-groomed professional? You never know when they’ll come in handy.

19. Start thinking like a job hunter while you still have a job, not when you’re reeling from a pink slip. Looking for better job before the layoff is like studying for the big test well before exam day. You want to hit the job market running.

20. Finally, consider the wisdom of Founding Father Ben Franklin: Be frugal, hard-working, honest and responsible.

A solid work ethic is the best foundation for the long haul. It sets a great example for your kids and can be a lifesaver when your personal economy feels the impact of a downturn.

Burt Wetanson is a freelance writer who has contributed over 60 articles to Working World. His goal: "To give readers practical tools for success in the tough LA career market."