How to Find Job Security

I think if you polled your co-workers regarding what's most important to them regarding their careers most will say "job security."

Most people have a deep human need for security, especially during disruptive times. Job security comes from deep within you, and your willingness to self manage your career. Job security is also a partnership with your employer, most often found in "people first" cultures where resources are dedicated to to training and development, and support during downturns and reorganizations.

While the job market is robust, volatility and disruptions are still rampant in the marketplace. I want to share 2 stories that document the fragility of jobs, offer a perspective on how to self-manage your personal job security, and provide you with insights to uncovering a culture of "people first" in a prospective employer.

First, 2 stories:

• Kathy, tolerates a toxic workplace and abusive boss for months following being recruited back into the company after a layoff years ago. Nothing has changed. New boss arrives, literally moves Kathy's desk next to the door. Signs of things to come? She went on a well-needed vacation, returns, is called into a meeting, and told her job has been eliminated. There is no severance, and her health insurance ends that day.
• Joanne celebrates 20+ years of high-achieving success as a sales executive at a global company. On a birthday milestone over the age of 60, she is laid off. Her severance is 2 months, health insurance ends that day.

Kathy and Joanne are crushed. Unprepared for the sudden revocation of livelihood, they are overwhelmed with survival and existential issues. Are you prepared to begin job search if you lost your job today?

I am an outplacement consultant who has coached 1,000's of professionals, From the most highly tenured - 30 years+, to those who have just begun their careers, no one is bullet proof, and no one prepared for sudden job loss.

I coached someone who was recruited out of a job of 16 years only to be laid off 2 months later (in the middle of a relocation!) Good news - these individuals were sponsored by their employers to receive outplacement services, and nearly all achieved goals of improved lifestyles, alignment with purpose, and aspirational career goals.

In these volatile and uncertain times, your job will constantly change as technology advances, companies evolve and reorganize and global economies become disrupted. Job security requires that we must all constantly align with the direction of our employers, advance our education, upskill, increase our digital literacy digital mindset and seek out stretch assignments . Network within your company. Network outside your company.

Working for a toxic culture and/or boss? Get out. It will damage you and break down your ability to take action.

And of course - you must also keep your resume and LinkedIn profile current, and your network updated and nurtured. Update your home technology - if you're reliant on your work laptop, you'll be lost if you don't have a home computer to work on.

Actively interviewing in the marketplace?

Don't be hoodwinked by foosball tables and sugary snacks in the breakfast room. I believe that job security is determined by two factors:

1. How the company supports learning and growth:

• Ask, "how do you support employee learning and growth?" Will there be opportunities for projects? Is there a learning platform? Career pathing? Mentoring? BRGs (business resources groups)? How often will I receive feedback?

2. How the company supports employee exits, voluntary or involuntary:

• Ask, "how are employees supported during a layoff?" Do you offer a severance package? Outplacement services? Stipend for training? Is there a continuation of health insurance? A company that supports you in helping you get back on your feet quickly after a layoff is providing you with job security.

Great companies understand that involuntary layoffs are disruptive to not only you, but your family and community. Your layoff is handled with empathy and humanely. They usually provide you with a severance plan that provides financial peace of mind for you to get on your feet again.??They offer Outplacement Services that accelerate your ability to bounce back and land a job.??Some companies may provide a stipend to be used for career coaching or additional coaching or training.

There may come a time when your capacity for growth has outstripped the current career opportunities at your employer. Forward-thinking companies, aka "Employers of Choice," treat your "voluntary" exit as an "alumni" process, considering you a valuable asset and member of a future talent pool who may return with new high value skills and experiences. I've worked with many clients who've been re-hired by former employers.

Job security is important, but preparation and personal transformation are the keys to real security, Prepare. Establish the savings account. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Ensure that you're nurturing your network and attending meetings on a regular basis. Take a new course, listen to a podcast, have a networking meeting, Apply for a new job. Stay fresh.

Need help? Seek out a career coach - and grow!