Employed, but overworked: How to deal
NEW YORK — Sure, you're grateful that you still have a job.
But you're also feeling overworked, stressed out and anxious about the future. Here's what to do to keep your job and your sanity:
Demonstrate your added value
Ask yourself, "How do I contribute to the company's bottom line?" says Connie Podesta, author of "How To Be The Person Successful Companies Fight To Keep."
"How you respond says a lot about how your company sees you," said Podesta. "If you say, 'I'm just a receptionist,' why would your company see you differently?"
Podesta said now is the time to come up with ideas and action plans that are tied to the financial stability and growth of the company.
Be sure to blow your own horn, she said. Some companies are so big, your hard work could go unnoticed.
Network inside the company
The person making future layoff decisions may not be your immediate manager, said Brad Karsh of JobBound.com.
To him or her, you may simply be a name on a sheet of paper, he said. Or that senior person may have met you once and it was a day you weren't looking your best, he said.
Karsh suggests volunteering to work on a project with someone high up, or adjusting your day so you can run into that person on a regular basis.
"If you happen to know that senior VP, that could be the difference in you staying or going," he said.
Look for leadership opportunities
That doesn't necessarily mean asking the boss for a promotion, said Podesta.
"A leader, regardless of a title, is someone others would notice," she said. "'I like their attitude. I like their efficiency. I'd like to learn from that person.'"
Companies are really looking for people who shine, said Podesta. Show them that you are a proactive, energized person who comes up with ideas that will take them to new levels, she said.
Be prepared
Don't wait until you are out of work to update your resume, said Deborah Brown-Volkman, a career coach in East Moriches, N.Y. Losing a job is a blow to your self-confidence and you may not be able to see your accomplishments clearly.
The first thing a future employer is going to ask you for is a resume, she added.
Start networking online and offline, said Karsh. Join the professional organization or trade association for your industry; use LinkedIn and Facebook.
"You don't have to be proactively looking unless you know your company is in really big trouble," said Karsh. "You should be prepared to look."
Recognize that times are tough
Recent comments
Maybe you misunderstood the article. It was intended to help YOU...
Re: Yeah Right | April 29, 2009 at 3:17 p.m.
I have a government job and we are going through layoffs. The next...
splitme2 | April 29, 2009 at 10:44 a.m.
Or, get a gov. job.
Dave | April 29, 2009 at 8:32 a.m.
- Ariza, Brooks lead Rockets 9:36 p.m.
- Spurs' Jefferson ends slump 9:35 p.m.
- NFL notes: Reid agrees to extension 9:28 p.m.
- House debates bank oversight 9:27 p.m.
- Casual sex not always bad for health? 9:27 p.m.
- Obama to note Peace Prize irony 9:26 p.m.
- Santa letters aren't all about toys 9:26 p.m.
- MLB notes: Winter Meetings activity 9:24 p.m.
- Man sentenced in W. Jordan homicide 9:19 p.m.
- Psychologist: Mitchell schizophrenic 9:16 p.m.
- Hot Rod behind mic for Lakers
- Cougars use depth to beat ASU
- Max Hall wants to look ahead
- Non-BCS schools not given fair shot
- Panel passes BCS playoff bill
- Psychologist: Mitchell schizophrenic
- Palin signs books, chats with fans
- Small plane crashes near Lehi
- Snow brings big chill
- Jazz go up against 'the best'
- Letters: Global warming a lie
228 - TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
206 - BYU football: Bronco weighs in on Hall
178 - Cougars going back to Vegas
150 - Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
147 - Andersen apologizes for Jordan hoax
138 - George lost in rivalry hatefest
121 - Max Hall wants to look ahead
119 - Ed Smart 'appalled' at testimony
100 - Revive full food tax?
99
My wife Lisa and I would prefer never to argue. But that's not going to...
It's probably too late to get them to soldiers stationed overseas in...
"I can't wait for our nation to join the civilized world in covering all of...
Bush cut taxes for the rich and nothing trickled down. We deregulated and our...
Good game Utes! A good win by double digits! Keep them coming this week1...
"I think there should be more flexibility given, not just to charter schools,...
So what happens when the interstate dies down to two lanes after Spanish...
Since I first wrote this morning, it is fun to watch all the kool-aid...
No document as been show disproving Climate Change. We had a criminal act and...
leave beck alone ; he probably has more courage than most timid ones who are...
I don't begrudge the Church in Mexico Miguel's spirit and skills, nor do I...
What we need is a street full of bars our families can take US to. Now that...


