The Ultimate Survival Code

We all know now's the time of salvaging your job, not hopping from one to another, even if you don't like it. As human as we are, we bound to complain about anything about our job, it could be the environment or our boss or customer or colleagues or even their pet could get on to our nerves. I used to tell my staff about one thing - Unless if you could leave this job tomorrow, if you still care about the income (this job is providing you), then stop complaining. I thought I was harsh but reality is the crudest thing ever.

I learnt that hard lesson long ago when a favorite manager of mine (who's happened to be the boss right hand man) resigned from a fastfood company I worked with many years ago, my boss gave a stark comment about his departure, "In this world, no one is indispensable." It was a moment of truth to me. No matter how loyal you were and what tremendous contribution you have made to your company, it doesn't worth a penny when you are done.

The unemployment rate in U.S. is creeping to a historic high, one out of 10 people is not having a job. When member of your family or someone you know was laid off and he/she has the whole family to feed, it would be the most terrible thing that could ever happened. Can we then, avoid the cut? Perhaps it's inevitable in this tough economy, but how to make ourselves if not indispensable, at least the last to be retrenched? Let's share some thoughts:-

1. Appreciate your job. So often we forgot how much effort we have put in to get this job. Remember your best decorated resume? Remember how positive you were in the job interview? Remember the change you promised to make a difference? May be things have changed, people around you tore you down, but rekindling that passion you first had for the job helps you look at the present situation in a different perspective.

2. Walk extra miles. If you want yourself to stand out among your peers, don't be too calculative. It may be harmless to say, "That's not my job" "I'm off-duty" "It is not my responsibility", but that doesn't give you any credit either. Eventhough doing other's job or working off hours may not be mandated, it definitely impress your boss if he/she finds that out.

3. Make yourself an asset (not a liability) to the company. Within the requirements on your job, make the most out of yourself. Be creative, if you don't have a coworker to compare (like me, I'm the only one in my department) with, just imagine you want to be better than your predecessors. Lessen your boss headaches, save him/her trips to get something done, do it respectfully, and let him/her know you are trying, and giving your best shot.

4. Be an early bird. Well this is something I am having hard time keeping up with, lol. My present boss used this tactic to make himself stood out from the corporate world of commercial banks decades ago. He said be there early gave him the opportunities to mingle with the big shots (because big bosses in U.S. come to work early), made himself an equation of commitment and ultimately a familiar face that bosses would recommend for promotions.

5. Need not be the last to leave but be there when situation called for. Being the early bird and last to leave may mean the same thing, working extra time. But working late could backfire in your report card. Though some may think you are hardworking and commited to your job, but few may also think that you are incapable and inefficient therefore needs more time to accomplish your job.

6. Be sincere. Caring for the company may make others think that you are trying to get something out of your gesture, but be sure to be truthful to your boss, your colleagues. We can't expect to please everyone in the office, just do what is right!