Credit Repair and Security—How to Keep Your Job

Employment is the cornerstone of personal finance. A steady income is the starting point for all things stable, including your budget, expenses, investments and credit repair efforts. In an uncertain job market, it’s important to distinguish yourself to ensure long-term security. So, what should you do to keep your job?

• Stop complaining
  

  Right now. Talk about your work frustrations with a spouse or close friend, but don’t air your complaints around the office. Criticizing your boss, coworkers or daily tasks will make you seem negative and apathetic. Discuss serious issues with your manager in private. Otherwise, it’s time to count your blessings.

• Help your colleagues
  

  A good employee understands that team success is as important as personal success. Pitch in whenever possible to assist your fellow workers and help the office run smoothly. Even a small favor can go a long way to boost morale and illustrate your willingness to help. Join the group; a valued team member is difficult to replace.

• Carve your niche
  

  “I don’t know what we’d do without <insert your name here>.” High praise is reserved for those who are indispensable. Look for weak points in your office processes and find a way to fill unmet needs. For example:Kate is one of many technical writers for a software company. Although each writer understands how to use the products, their writing styles and layouts vary drastically, leading to mistakes and inefficient customer communication. Understanding the problem, Kate decides to write a style guide, outlining how to organize documents, which phrases to use and how to edit appropriately. She uploads the document to the server and encourages her coworkers to offer their own suggestions. Kate’s style guide becomes a writing standard within the year and Kate is promoted to a lead position.

Kate’s practical approach improved workflow and established her managerial niche. Take a lesson from her initiative and do the same in your position.

• Set improvement goals
  

  In a competitive market, self-improvement is the best way to stay ahead of the game. As we learned from Kate, even a small action can result in large rewards. Take stock of your position by making a list of your duties. Create a second list detailing the things you’d like to learn or improve upon in the year ahead.

• Ask the important questions
  

  Conscientiousness is an important part of a) keeping the boss happy, and b) engaging your mind and personal satisfaction. Prioritize career security and advancement by asking yourself the important questions:

  • What do I want my career to look like in one year? Five years?
  • Am I satisfied in my position? What would I change if I could?
  • Is there anything I could do differently/better?

Combine this list with your thoughts on self-improvement. Once you’ve established some personal clarity, talk to your boss about his/her expectations during your annual review. Ask:

• I’m happy with my work but I’d like to improve as well. In your eyes, what can I do?
• I’d really like to learn more about ______. Is it possible to work this subject into my job responsibilities?
• I’d like to further my career within the company. Can we talk about how to accomplish my future goals?

The bottom line: Job security is available to those who seek it. Take an assertive approach—your efforts will not go unnoticed.