concerned about your job?

With all the layoffs and the economy still headed downwards, are you concerned about possibly losing your job? Do you have a backup plan in place?

Geez this is like talking about DUI's when you are at the bar. Bad karma.

Our health system is preparing to make somewhat major job cuts. They're planning on cutting 6% of expenses, which would mostly have to come from job cuts.

I'm friggin awesome at my job (what, Schneed be modest??) and have been told by my superiors that I'm in good shape. But some of my colleagues are sweatin it.

The hardest part about it for people is wondering when the axe is going to fall. Having it hanging over our heads is the hardest part. If they need to cut 6% of people, they should do it quickly because 94% of us don't need to be worrying, and ending that fear for those 94% is in everybody's best interests.

General notes though. This economic climate highlights the importance of saving for a rainy day and managing your finances efficiently and frugally.

While I feel safe in my job, there's always the chance (though slim) that senior management could wipe out our entire department. But by living like a cheapskate I've built up a good savings cushion to help me deal with the unknown. And even though I feel safe, having that cushion there makes me feel even safer. Having savings to fall back on is the best backup plan.

I also do the math on my monthly budget fairly regularly. I know that my savings could last 8 months to support my family's basic monthly expenses. It's important for everyone to know that number, their "days cash on hand".

Building savings is easier said than done sometimes, that is not lost on me. But it's incredibly important, if for no other reason than letting you sleep easier at night.

I consider myself extremely lucky to be in the situation I'm in. I've worked for a Consulting/Management Services Firm for 4 1/2 years, that has multiple contracts with the Federal Government. And while I do not charge to said contracts (I think I will be again shortly, I came off a contract in Sep 07 and pulled into the corporate office), I feel somewhat safe given that I am one of 2 IT people supporting a company of 250 employees (40+ of which work in corporate sites that we are directly responsible for doing desktop support, hardware/software installation, while supporting server maintenance, email/domain services for our company plus multiple clients).

They have also encouraged me to take as much training as I can fit in this year, so I am going to start working towards my Microsoft Certification and fit a web class or 2 in.

Nope!

I'd love to elaborate, but I can't.

They move me where they need to. Seeing how they can use me in three departments I'm not worried. My company didn't need any of the bailout money so we're good.

No because I got an agent, OK he's a header-hunter, by the name Justin in my corner. I had lunch with him 6 weeks ago to assess the market and he assured me that if I want to play ball he'll find me a court to play on. He has come through 3 times already, no sense in doubting him now. It does help I'm his star player too :p

I am worried about the general market though.

Nope!

I'd love to elaborate, but I can't.


CIA? FBI? NSA? or the DMV?

CIA? FBI? NSA? or the DMV?

HAHA Funny!