It's been a tough year. Bank collapses, mortgage foreclosures, and job losses add up to major stress. How we cope with the stress can have far reaching consequences for our careers. Psychologists say that the fear of the unknown - not knowing if your position will be cut - actually can cause more stress than getting a pink slip.
One method of coping might be to back off the intensity and drive you put into your job and just try to chill out for the holidays; to regroup, take time off with family and friends, and enjoy holiday parties. While it is healthy to put the job aside and have a life outside of work, it could cost you a big opportunity to move ahead in your company. Many companies, which have cut their workforces to the bone, will start hiring again after the first of the new year. Why let these new hire positions go to outsiders when you could be perfectly capable of stepping up your game and taking on added responsibility and the corresponding salary increase? Not to mention that if your company is still weeding out people they believe are not valuable contributors, you could find yourself on the chopping block.
Stress can be deadly. It weakens your immune system and can lead to all sorts of related physical illnesses, and even depression. To fight stress and the fear of the unknown, stack the deck in your favor. Become the go-to person in your company. Volunteer for new assignments, gain exposure to other departments through internal company networking, and find and nurture a mentor relationship - with someone who can help you navigate the corporate minefields and get you face time with more senior executives. Mentors are not hard to find - most are found right under your nose, someone you know you can go to for tough questions or help in completing projects. Since your boss provides day-to-day support it should be someone out of your direct chain of command to truly give you impartial advice. Just ask if this person might have time to meet with you and provide some guidance from their experience. Many executives are willing to share their knowledge and experience by taking a more junior employee under their wing. Be sincere and always thank them for their time and you will be amazed at how willing they are to advise you.
The more value you add to your job and the more indispensable you become, the less likely your position will be cut and the less stress you will experience. It can be a self-fulfilling prophecy - not only easing the job-related stress but helping you land a promotion as your company begins hiring again.
Once you have positioned yourself as described, then let your hair down for some well-deserved holiday down time feeling secure in your career. One caution, always be professional at holiday parties - you never know who might be watching!
Richard S. Pearson is the Author of 5 Necessary Skills to Keep Your Career on Track. He has held vice-president positions with four multibillion dollar travel industry companies and three Internet early stage companies. He has a BA degree from Regis University in Organizational Development. His experience has given him a unique perspective on how to navigate the organizational structures of both large and small companies. He has hired and trained hundreds of employees from frontline salespeople to vice presidents, and coached many through their careers. He is currently working on facilitating the large increase of travel between the US and China, which is taking place. http://www.5necessaryskills.com |
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