Job Uncertainty Stressing You Out? 5 Tips to Control Your Future

Is job uncertainty stressing you out? You are not alone. While there are signs that a very slow economic recovery is afoot, most workers aren't yet feeling all that confident. The past five years have been very certainly uncertain in almost every sector of business. If an industry is showing growth, it may still be experiencing significant and fast-paced change. We all know that expression that nothing is guaranteed except for change.

If you are concerned that you might be downsized or restructured out of a job, here are 5 tips to gain control of your future. Feeling in control of your future is a great way to keep stress at bay:

1. Do your best work and stay positive. By doing your best work you will continue to learn and hone your skills, and will either render yourself indispensable or position yourself for stellar recommendations should your position be eliminated. No matter what, do your best to be reasonable, fair and true to your values. You will see these people again, you may even work with them again. If your role is eliminated, you never have to wonder if there was anything you could have done. The answer will be "no."

2. Network in and outside of your company every day. Don't eat lunch at your desk every day! Talking to colleagues gives you an opportunity to hear about what matters to others, be helpful to your colleagues, remind people of your track record and talents, practice talking about yourself, and the social interaction will alleviate stress.

3. Know who you are and what matters to you. Knowing who you are and being able to make choices that support what matters to you will give you power. Feeling like you have no control over your future causes stress. Honestly think about what you want out of your career. What is important to you? Take an inventory of your strengths, what energizes you, what you like, dislike, what sucks the life out of you? Even if you are firmly situated in your job, you should always be thinking about managing your career path within or outside of your organization.

4. Prepare a presentation about yourself. This document will build your confidence and keep you focused on the facts when you are filled with doubt. You won't ever show it to anyone, but you need to be able to sell yourself. Distill your track record, talents, and skills into a clear, succinct value proposition for a prospective employer (or to quiet that negative voice in your head!).

5. Work with a coach. Coaches can work with individuals or groups of people who share a goal. A coach will keep you focused on the facts, question your nagging doubts, guide you rationally through the process of defining your desired career path, and sustain your confidence. Coaches have tools to help you articulate your values, clarify your goals, and identify your strengths.

I'm available for a complimentary session - just email sarah@coachsj.com or call (201)530-5850 to arrange a time.

Bonus tip: follow the previous 5 tips all the time to stay ahead of the game and satisfied with your career path.