Are you worried about the stability of your job? If you are, you are not alone. An article in Advertising Age notes that 35 percent of workers are concerned about being laid off or losing their jobs, despite the economic recovery that has taken place since November, 2001. Essentially, the US workforce is fully employed at a 4.7% jobless rate. So why all the worry?
Because we aren't stupid, that's why. Doesn't it seem like just when things are going great, something catastrophic happens and the rug gets pulled out from under us? Think of the dot-com boom, the 9/11 attacks, and now the war on Islamo-fascism. Things may be going good on paper but workers have been burned before by unexpected layoffs. That leads to being somewhat gun-shy when it comes to employment.
Jobs are being outsourced overseas and 80 percent of Americans live paycheck to paycheck with no real savings in reserve. Consumer debt has jumped 46% since the end of the recession. In reality, the US worker is not prepared for a job loss. That creates worry.
If your job was eliminated tomorrow, would you be ready to hit the pavement immediately in search of a new job? Would you have the funds available in the time of crisis to support your family, meet your debt obligations and fund your job search? Be prepared ahead of the game by always having an up-to-date resume ready. You don't want to wait until you are unemployed and stressed to the max to begin your preparations. Think of a professionally developed resume as good insurance - insurance against catastrophe and investment for potential opportunities that may pop up.