They Don't Teach Corporate in College (54 page)

You have a history of acting inappropriately in the office (for example, insubordination or gossiping).

You committed an unpardonable infraction (for example, cursing out a client or demonstrating overt racism or sexism).

We all go through periods of trouble on the job. Even if one or more of these warning signals applies to you, the black cloud may pass, or you may be able to work through it. Understanding when you're in danger of being fired can only empower you. Whether your job is being threatened by colleagues' perception of wrongdoing or actual wrongdoing, knowing what you're up against will help you determine a course of action. Appropriate resolutions vary. For example, if you've been chastised for bad behavior, you should cease the action immediately and show genuine remorse for any trouble you've caused. Alternatively, if your boss feels you're not producing, you should
document your tangible contributions and present them to her at every opportunity. Did your manager give you a performance plan? That document should be your new bible. Live by it. Make sure you measurably improve in each designated area by the deadline noted in the plan.

In most cases, your boss won't fire you without a legitimate reason. Don't give her one. Once you discover where things are not working, swallow your pride and take the necessary steps to protect your career and your future.

In the business world today, layoffs are so common it's scary. Companies have to answer to Wall Street and their shareholders, and when an organization fails to meet its projections, a logical first step is to “trim the fat”—or eliminate jobs. Regardless of your reputation or skill set, your company might decide that your position is expendable, and they will send you packing. Usually you will have a lot of people in the same boat as you are because companies typically lay off many employees at the same time. On the one hand, being laid off is easier to stomach than being fired—it's less personal and you often can't do anything to change the decision one way or the other. However, layoffs are more disconcerting because it's harder to see the writing on the wall. Concerned? Keep on the lookout for the following danger signs:

Top-management changes result in a new direction.

The company message boards and blogs are rumbling about layoffs.

Your company's or industry's financial woes are all over the news.

Your company or department is underperforming.

Senior executives are spending a lot of time holed up in a conference room.

Your company has stopped investing in employees' careers via internal training or tuition reimbursement.

Your department's budget has been drastically cut or eliminated.

A recent re-org has left you without many of your former responsibilities.

Your company has merged with our been bought by another company and there are now twice as many people doing your job.

Pay attention to these indicators. You must not permit yourself the luxury of denial or thinking a layoff could never happen to you. If you suspect that
you are about to become a victim, take action before you are officially unemployed. Use the tactics from
Chapter 1
(such as compiling a power resume and networking for job leads) to get a jump on the situation. In your 20s, you're typically not at a level that warrants a cushy severance package, so create an emergency financial plan that will carry you through a temporary loss of income. While you're at it, investigate post-employment health insurance options such as COBRA, and look into your organization's policy for rolling over 401(k) funds.