Jason Monastra

My life and thoughts out on the web

Recession and depression have been common words over the recent months.  Fear appears to have taken a huge hold on the economy, making companies and employees worrisome of the future.  Current employees looking over their shoulders with leadership speculating on the future has made the work culture at most companies like walking on razor blades with bare feet.  So how to do we deal with this, how do manage our fear, how do we continue to do our job.  Simple.  Pray, make a plan, be consistent and you will be amazed at the attitude you bring to work.

I mention prayer as it has been a huge part of the last 10 yrs of my life, as my faith in God has made dealing with hard situations easier knowing that Christ is in control.  Keep that in mind as you review your own situation and are looking for an understanding of details that you might not fully grasp.

Make a plan.  A plan is needed dealing with the good and bad situations that you might have in your career life.  Plans are essential as they offer us a clear view of what we should do in times of distress.  Making these plans in a frame of mind that is clear allows for us to better deal with emotions when things are going south.  A few things that should be a part of your plan:

• Understand how the recession actually is effecting your business and if it truly effects your position
• The fear that is gripping a good deal of the working professional is not accurate.  Yes, the positions might be at risk, but people need to understand why and engage that head on making a better assessment of their job status
• Look at your skills, understand your strengths and weaknesses. 
• Determine industries that are being less effected by the business climate or are growing during this time
• Research and understand employment trends in those industries, highlighting skilled areas that are in a strong need
• Evaluate your skills and their application to the needed areas where the companies are in need
• Make a marketing plan and proceed with applications

First and foremost, keep doing your job.  Nothing is easier than a struggling company looking for low hanging fruit to let go.  Don’t give them a reason.