Survive and move on! If I had to sum it all up in one big sweeping generalization, that would be it. I have a high level VP of Sales candidate who is in an offline/online hybrid business who feels he isn’t maximizing his potential since he isn’t working for a 100% digital company. Even though his company has had layoffs, he is secure, his income including bonuses has almost remained whole compared to 2007, and he is using us to quietly explore other options.
To him I say “bravo.” You are in the best possible position as we head into the new year. I have been in this business for nearly thirteen years and by far, this is the most brutal employment market I have ever seen. Good people with strong track records are scrambling to find a job, any job in their given field. Companies that are doing well are holding on to their chips, and far too many are letting good people go.
If you can ride this wave out, remain whole for the next year or so, then you are in great shape. How many of us would take a break even on our 401ks/investments etc in 2008 right now? Breaking even is the new win for 2008/2009.
If you have a job, do your best to maintain your worth, take on extra projects, take less vacation, volunteer to help with things that aren’t necessarily part of your job responsibilities. If and when your company does a reduction in force, these things will be remembered.
If a recruiter has a position with a company that had a strong 2008, and they are offering a lateral compensation package, don’t turn it down! If you can move to a more stable environment, and remain whole, consider it a win!
2009 should be a better year than 2008 but the clouds have not parted yet, so do your best to position yourself within your current company, or on the job market, but be realistic, as things have dramatically changed over the past year.
1 response so far ↓
Kelly Burnette // December 17, 2008 at 9:09 pm |
As the owner of a company, I agree wholeheartedly with the statement that employees should really try to “maintain their worth”.
No company wants to layoff employees and will definitely look for other solutions to laying off employees that show dedication to the company by being true assets.