We all have been affected by the state of the economy in some way or another or know someone that has been effected by this dismal job market. One thing that seems apparent is that there are very few positions that allow an individual to sit back with their feet up and not worry about being laid-off…unless this individual knows something that the rest of us don’t.

I know I have heard many times the infamous statement…”They wouldn’t lay me off because no one else does my job or knows what I do.”  Well whatever organization you work for some how managed to survive before you got there (I know hard to imagine) and they will continue to survive once you are no longer there (It’s true).  Unless you are planning to live…uh forever…someone else will eventually step into your shoes and do exactly what you have been doing and you will soon be a distant memory.  Especially in this job market there are hundreds of people with the same skills as you just waiting for your job to become available.  Just remember…Everyone is Expendable.

Now that we’ve cleared that up, there are some ways to make yourself more valuable as an employee and then maybe you’ll be the last to go.  First thing…statements like “I’m not doing that because that is not part of my job description” should never be uttered.  Also, when you work form 8am to 5pm and your desk is cleared off everyday at 4:45pm, with coat on, keys in hand, staring at the clock…not making yourself more valuable than your cubical neighbors.  You have to be more flexible.  Employers are looking for the individuals that are willing to go above and beyond and possibly pick up the slack left behind by those laid-off.

Don’t get me wrong sometimes decisions to lay-off people are more personal than professional and there’s not much that can be done about that except to be proactive.  You can always apply for jobs and even interview while still employed but it doesn’t mean that you have to say yes if offered a position.  Even if you really don’t want to leave your job this will give you an opportunity to see if your skills are marketable and allow you to practice your interviewing skills.  It is important to know that the best time to look for a job is when you already have one…that is when you are most desirable to employers.  So always keep your resume updated and ready to go and continue applying for jobs because it can often take awhile to begin receiving calls and interviews.

Always have a Plan B!