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Five Ways to Ward Off Unemployment in 2013 — #1: Go in Early

Mar. 20, 2013 8:40am Guest Post

[Editor’s note: The following is a cross post by David Bakke, a financial contributor for the blog Money Crashers. He writes about issues related to money management, careers, business, and economic policy in the U.S.]:

Although the unemployment rate has edged down a bit, some are saying that it’s unlikely to dip below 7.5 percent by year’s end. Therefore, since job cuts and layoffs are expected to continue throughout the year, it is in your best interests to ward off unemployment in any way that you can.

Here are five tips to help ensure that you remain employed in 2013:

1. Get to Work Early

Money Crashers Presents: Five Ways to Ward off Unemployment This Year

Courtesy Shutterstock.

If you ask managers what irritates them most about their team, you’ll find that employee tardiness is at or near the top of the list. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to start arriving to work early. You never know when a traffic jam, accident, or other problem will arise that can cause you to be late. If you’re paid hourly, you can even boost your paycheck by arriving to work on time.

2. Be a Part of the Solution

Courtesy Shutterstock.

Every employee has complaints about their job or company. However, instead of wasting your time complaining about the things you don’t like about your job, look for ways to improve your situation. Even if you’re not complaining aloud, it’s not hard to notice an employee with a poor attitude. This makes you less pleasant to be around, and possibly one of the first to go if layoffs are in order.

3. Assist Your Boss

Courtesy Shutterstock.

Assisting your boss is another great way to avoid the unemployment line. However, you don’t want to come off as pandering to your boss, and you certainly don’t want to look like you’re sucking up in the eyes of your coworkers — so be careful to not overdo it.

That said, managers have been presented with increased workloads as a result of company cutbacks, so you should have a wide variety of additional responsibilities to choose from. Just be sure to take on work that’s in your range of expertise, and if you’re given an extra responsibility, make sure you complete the project effectively and on time.

4. Don’t Gossip

Courtesy Shutterstock.

Think that gossiping won’t affect your employment status? Twenty-one states now have “healthy workplace” bills in place. This means that in some cases, your gossiping could be construed as bullying, and you therefore run the risk of losing your job. Rise above the fray of office gossip, keep your relationships professional, and avoid the urge to bad mouth other employees.

5. Stick to the Basics

Courtesy Shutterstock.

Although taking on extra projects can help reduce the chance of losing your job, make sure you’re still focused on the basics. Complete all your responsibilities, projects, and assignments well ahead of schedule and at a high level of quality. Often, those who go overboard trying to impress their boss end up taking on too much and ultimately failing. If you remain steady and produce great work, you’re much more likely to keep your job than if you all your quality to slip.

Final Thoughts: One final tip to avert prolonged unemployment is to never burn your bridges. It’s important to do what you can to avoid job loss in the first place, but more importantly, always give plenty of notice if you decide to leave a job, and always resist the urge to bash your employer if you are released. You never know when you might need a reference or even a position at a previous company, so be polite and professional at all times.

What additional ways can you suggest to help stave off unemployment?

–

Featured image Getty Images

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Comments (32)

marmond
Posted on March 21, 2013 at 2:58am
Great tips if your thirty years old or younger. If you have worked for a company for a long time and have advanced to a high pay scale you have a target on you for termination or forced retirement. I worked for a large, muti-national company for nearly forty years and always had good performance evaluations and a perfectly clean work record. I had perfect attendance during my time with this company. One day the personnel manager pulled me into his office and told me that the way I was doing things was old school and that the company was moving in a different direction. The personnel manager told me I had two options, retire or be terminated. He told I had one day to tell him my decision. This company made records profits, in the billions, every year for the entire time I was employees. Sure I had a high salary but it took forty years to get there. They could hire two people for what they were paying me but I gave them more than what they were paying for. This company is now pushing out older workers in favor of younger lower paid workers. They may wake up some day when they start seeing falling productivity, higher waste, fatalities, product recalls and high employee turnover. You can work your **** off for a company but the bottom line is if they think someone will do your job for less there is a large pool of young people to pull from who will be happy to take your place. A word to the young people, the older you get the more likely it is you will be fired.

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poster
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 3:28pm
Here’s a suggestion. Learn how to speak proper English (and I’m not referring to an accent). Use proper grammar and learn how to write an actual sentence or paragraph. Learn how to write a business letter. Use real words, not social media shortcuts. Learn how to spell. You will be indispensable, because I’ll bet most of your fellow employees can’t read, speak or write the English language at an eighth grade level.. You don’t have to be an expert — just proficient.

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huey6367
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 2:37pm
They forgot: Use your brain. Nothing worse than an employee that has to be told EVERYTHING and won’t make the attempt unless someone tells them something. But, then again, all of those examples could be filed under the “Use You Brain” header.

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RNM
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 2:34pm
“…job cuts and layoffs are expected to continue throughout the year…”
Yet, no matter how much I may dislike the Obama administration’s policies, I know better than to simply close my eyes, plug my ears and constantly talk down the U.S. economy. Unlike The Blaze, I refuse to ignore that, IN SPITE OF Obama et al in DC, the private sector has posted a net gain of jobs every month since mid-2010. Is it stellar growth? No… and that’s partly because policies are holding a solid recovery back… but it certainly is not the free-falling, complete and utter collapse that Beck has been incessantly “predicting” for 5 years now. And don’t even bring up the number of people “not in the labor force” (NLF), because that statistic is usually “at a record high.” In recent years, it hit a new record in 2000 when the official unemployment rate was 4%, and hit another record in 2007 when the official unemployment rate was 4.5%. You know, it is entirely possible that the drop in the labor force participation is simply consistent with an aging population. Things are not perfect, but please… let’s stop playing the game of politics and downplaying a rather resilient economy simply because we dislike who resides in the White House.

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Kregneva
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 11:50am
If the illustrations are a guide, it must also help to be young and a Caucasian, and be married, if female.

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- Walkabout
  Posted on March 20, 2013 at 2:40pm
  You are deluded. I have seen nonwhite & old do very well.
  
  Do I believe my eyes or do I believe some anonymous idiot troll with several posting names.
  
  Maybe the good doctor treating YourSensei will have time to treat you too. :)
  
  Report this comment
ds7
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 11:45am
here’s your problem: usury rates of interest paid on numbers created on a computer screen.

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DadRocked
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 11:21am
THE Worst Day At Work Beats The Best Day Of Job Hunting

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BigMG
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 10:55am
Unbelievable. Just to get you to look at a few ads

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snowflake220
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 10:28am
I did all this article said to do and it got me fired. It seems employers like those that don’t show up on time, call in sick constantly, and employees who don’t put out any work. I on the other hand was always early, stayed late to help get stuff caught up for the boss. Volunteered to help other employees if I was caught up and they needed help. Always went the extra mile to make the office run smoother. Yet I was the one the boss didn’t like. (I didn’t point my qualities out to anyone. I just did the work and enjoyed it) I was told some boss’s don’t like people who excel as it makes them look bad. I’m not sure the reason but I’m 58 and my boss’s were in their early 30′s so maybe that had something to do with it. I decided to go back to college and get a SECOND degree in accounting and graduated in 2009. I passed with a 4.0 and made the Dean’s List and am in the book of Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges. Can I find a job? NO! Seems you have to speak Spanish in order to secure a job in Texas and be under 30 years old. I’ve been told I’d be bored, am too qualified, blaa, blaa, blaa. Funny when I was first starting out I was told I was not experienced enough lol lol.

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- Winedude
  Posted on March 20, 2013 at 12:01pm
  I had a similar experience that led to a 2009 layoff. The company I worked for at the time laid off the three most experienced (read highest paid) people in top position. I was one of the three and back on the streets. I did find an opening locally and applied. They brought me back for 3 interviews and yet I didn’t get the job. This was the first time in my career that I even had a second interview that I didn’t get the job, so I was pretty disappointed. In my disappointment, I looked at my finances (I was let go on THE lowest point of stock market, 3/9/09) and decided to retire. I figured if I could survive the recession that I’d be fine. I had the back of my wife and, as luck would have it, the stock market recovered and I’m comfortable. Now looking at moves to make before the next crash, which is inevitable regardless of who’s President or has the majority in Congress.
  
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- rosegrower
  Posted on March 20, 2013 at 12:07pm
  You’re right about some bosses not wanting an underling around who makes him or her look bad – I’ve got the same situation, but because I hate the guy so badly and am willing to face the prospect of unemployment I’ve been getting in quite a few zingers about this doofus to his superior – who is a workaholic and a perfectionist. I’ve hung on for two years, gotten pay raises and bonuses when other people have gotten canned, and torpedoing the man I call Large and In Charge has gotten to be a fun game. He hates me, has done everything he can to throw me under the bus (he successfully got rid of two other people in our department who were qualified, intelligent and great workers by stabbing them in the back) but because his playbook is so limited (like he is) I’ve been able to turn the situation around and get him to hang himself over and over again. You were in the wrong place and in a corporate culture that sucked – get some references on your prospective employer (talk to employees, former employees, and vendors or customers if you can) before you commit to your next job.
  
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Proverbs17-12NLT
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 10:19am
Wow this 2009 summer of recovery is really stretching out………I don’t know ONE person who is doing better today than they were in 2008 but the democrat media sure can find em, manipulate and spin the worst economy ever. I guess I’m better off today than before Obama, I now qualify for food stamps.

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DZ-015
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 9:54am
Things that were taken for granted 40 years ago are no longer being taught. This article is aimed straight at the Millennials. Common sense is not so common anymore.

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- Disgusted_150
  Posted on March 20, 2013 at 10:59am
  Agreed. This article says, be a good worker and be responsible. Don’t talk bad about the company or people who work there. The sad part is, there are many young people who don’t seem to understand these things after college. I find that odd, since every college kid is encouraged to study hard and focus on what really matters, rather than the extraneous things…oh wait…
  
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Sargeking
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 9:48am
These are all good suggestions but you still need to raise the bar, so to speak. Most of the future layoffs are unavoidable, especially if Obamacare kicks-in next year. You can “raise the bar” if you get out of the box. Meaning, learn a service trade (electrician or plumber) and work for yourself. Most people are afraid of electricity and usually seek professional help with some wiring problem or other. Plumbers are always needed for those sticky toilet issues. In effect, you will be far better off if you become more self sufficient. That’s the conclusion of today’s employment consultation. You’re welcome.

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- georgette
  Posted on March 20, 2013 at 10:54am
  It’s so scripted :
  –increasingly forced debt
  –devalue the dollar
  –tax citizens into oblivion
  –create govt. dependency
  –obamacare a tax instead of healthcare
  –outsourcing
  –unemployment
  –gun control
  –expansion of govt
  endgame: enslave the populace
  
  Report this comment
fxmulder
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 9:42am
Doesn’t matter..I am sure the writer(who has a job; ever notice that people who seem to think they are “secure” in their lives; tell people how to keep jobs?) was trying to be helpful; but he is speaking from numbers from a poll or an area he is familiar with.

I went in at 6 Am everyday; and got all the work done before we opened for business. I was there till 6PM to make sure everything was finished. 17 years total; and then; one day; corporate comes in and closes 1100 stores. All the hard work meant nothing.

I am 59; and CAN NOT find a job. I am told I am too ‘old”(they said they would deny saying that if asked); I would be bored; I was way over-qualified; the market is changing; they want starters; not finishers(code for YOUNG); and some of the stupidest things I have heard.

I recently find I have lost the vision in one eye due to damage that is genetic; Arthritis of the spine and my knees. Part of one hand gone; due to an accident.
Having to take meds for depression.

But By God; I would still get up and go into work at 6AM and get off at 6PM if I could. I deal with the pain; the vision; and take my meds and struggle through it. I have worked non stop since 1970; always worked. And have found out no one wants an “old” man to work.

I have told them I’d take min. wage; anything. I would do anything.
Nothing; the doctor says it will get worse; go on disability. I have my little place paid for; we have a place to live. All funds gone;so if this is livi

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- kenboo1
  Posted on March 20, 2013 at 10:04am
  I don’t know why we work so hard for so long and let our Government take our money and assets… We have to take control of our Government and return it to the structure originally founded… See http://www.repeal17.net to better understand…
  
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- Sargeking
  Posted on March 20, 2013 at 10:53am
  You should apply for your disability, especially if a doctor is signing off for you. Otherwise as a Baby Boomer, you won’t be able to draw S/S until you’re 62. Since your chances of working for some other company are basically slim and none, you might consider some computer training and get a self-employed job cleaning virus attacks and/or setting-up people’s lap tops to wireless connections. Home based business is the new demographic over the traditional venues for work. Good luck.
  
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- rosegrower
  Posted on March 20, 2013 at 12:16pm
  FX
  Have to agree with sargeking – self-employment in a service type job beats looking for work. You still have the get up and go, which frankly is something that is sorely lacking in most people under 30. If you can still drive and get around, you can do things like 1) transport the elderly for a fee, 2) do grocery shopping and run errands for the homebound or too busy, also for a fee, 3) put up and take down realtor signs (for a fee) – the list is pretty long, as long as you can get out of your own way and get rid of the “employee” mindset.
  
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- braddock66
  Posted on March 20, 2013 at 6:41pm
  There’s alot of stories like yours. I feel bad for you but don’t be discouraged.Start your own business.Something you love to do and it will come back ten-fold.Best of luck to you.
  
  Report this comment
vaman
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 9:14am
This isn’t new information. As an employee, if you want to be noticed by the boss and rewarded than do the extra work. It’s not that much more and will make your work day more enjoyable because the boss likes you and the work ethic. Not only are you not getting fired, but actually enjoy going to work.

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Eastinfection
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 9:12am
They forgot to mention
“Start nasty rumors about your co-workers”
“take credit for other people’s work”
“somehow get yourself classified as a minority (ala Elizabeth Warren)” so you can mention ‘discrimination’ if you feel your job is in jeopardy.

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arbrne2001
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 9:09am
I can’t believe that we’ve gotten to the point where a news outlet needs to tell grown people how to have a proper work ethic. I learned all of this as a youngster doing my chores around the house. If I half-assed something, I did it again from the beginning until it was done right. Seriously need to take a long look at the parenting skills (or lack thereof) in modern Amerika. Can’t help but shake my head at this.

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noslave
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 9:08am
start organizeing a large following to vote the worthless bastards out in 2014,getting america back on trackto create jobs,so when you piss in your bosses waste basket,and ouit being used,because he thinks you got nowhere else to go and YOU REALLY NEED YOUR JOB, LIKE THEY TAKE ADVANTAGE OF?? YOU SHOULD BE NOSLAVE TO ANYBODY,EVEN POLITICIANS?

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media-bias-steals-elections
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:50am
If I was a human resource slave manager, I would write stuff like this:

1. Spend less time with family?

2. Be part of the solution, act concerned that you think the boss does not know what they are doing, but just play along, if you don’t know the answer, that makes the boss look good too?

3. Assist the boss, tell them honestly, yeah sure, I’ll do it half assed so you can fire me, I’m already juggling 10 different things, including training this newbie over here, by the way when do I get a raise?

4. Don’t have a social media account, the only thing you are allowed to have a social media account for is to promote company products, which means less time for your family?

5. Stick to the basics. Assume no matter what you do, they will fire you anyways. Always have a resume updated ready to go, or a really cool hobby that pays money, like panning for gold?

Oh, my bad, they would never let me do that, if I was human resource slave assistant?

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- sta
  Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:59am
  You can spend lots of time with your family when you are fired.
  Look, some of these things are basic and wanted, not only by the boss but also your fellow employees.
  
  I get to work on time, I stay away from standing by the watercooler and gossiping, I like to work with people who don’t question everything the boss says.
  
  Jobs are scarce. If you want to keep yours, consider at least some of these.
  
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NoMoMrNiceGuy
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:49am
WOW – You mean actually have some work ethic !? -

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capitalismrocks
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:48am
Exactly, put in the extra 5-10% and show that you are worth more than others you work with. Go in early, stay a little later, get your work done well and if you are idle, find simple things to do, look for issues in your workplace and look to make things work better for you and others, keep things clean and organized and make sure that you stand out in an honest way.

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Eastinfection
Posted on March 20, 2013 at 8:47am
So basically.. arrive early and kiss your boss’s ass?

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- sta
  Posted on March 20, 2013 at 9:29am
  I was unemployed in the 80s, right out of school.
  If anyone is questioning these ideas, they have never had to look for a job in a horrible economy.
  
  Report this comment

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