For many people, job security might sound like a myth. After all, there’s no telling when things can change.

• The company could go bankrupt.

• A new employee with a lot of credentials might become the star player.

• Your employer might decide it’s time to downsize.

There are so many reasons why an employee might lose their corporate position. If you take a close look at the bigger picture, a lot of people are really looking for financial security. They find the financial security within the protection of a full-time job, and they assume that’s the only way.

Whether you’re looking for job security or financial security, there are ways to experience both. 

The Importance of Taking Initiative 

Always take the initiative.

This means that you need to go above and beyond the call of duty. It’s a soft skill that many don’t make the effort to master. They assume that since it’s not their responsibility, it doesn’t matter to them. As a star employee, you recognize that if one part of the company suffers, the entire company suffers. Therefore, your approach is holistic.

If you see that the current custodial staff is inefficient, offer solutions and suggestions to the employer.

If there’s a better way to manage communications within your department, take the initiative by offering solutions.

The key is to be solution-oriented.

Completely avoid the act of complaining. If you see a problem, find a solution. Additionally, realize that this is a skill. You don’t want to overstep your boundaries with other people. Recognize that taking the initiative is a delicate balance between being over-bearing and being helpful. 

Noticeable Commitment and Dedication 

When an employer sees that you’re there to get the work done, they’re more likely to trust you with more responsibilities and benefits. In addition to taking initiative, always show your commitment and dedication to the company by learning how to improve. Take a look at different certification programs you can enroll in. As you take applicable courses to improve your skill set, you can apply these learned practices to your daily workload.

Consider going back to school to get another degree. Many companies will cover tuition reimbursement if you commit to a certain number of years at the company. Not only does this concept apply to continued education, but it applies to the ability to stay focused on a task. When you’re dedicated to the success of the company, you’ll follow through with everything. It doesn’t matter how long or difficult a task might be. If an employer realizes that you’re dedicated to getting the job done and you’re efficient, this makes you indispensable. 

Multiple Income Streams 

For many, job security is synonymous with financial security. If your job is the only stream of income you have, you’re treading on dangerous territory. Always maintain a few streams of income. Even if you’re only earning $50 a week from freelance writing on the side, it’s still an additional income stream you can rely on to cover a bill or two. Consider starting a side business with a current hobby you enjoy. If you love making candles, develop a candle business and sell your products on sites like Etsy and eBay. Develop a social media presence to promote your products to new customers.

Learn more about the ideal time to post on social media, craft a marketing plan and work diligently until you can hire someone to manage it all. When you have the safety net of multiple streams of income, you won’t have to be in a state of panic if you ever lose your job. Plus, those income streams will hold you over until you find a new position. 

Linchpin Traits 

A linchpin is a person who is deemed essential to the operations of a business or enterprise. As an employee, it’s wise to become a linchpin. You do this by taking initiative and remaining dedicated. However, it’s even more effective to publicize your linchpin traits. Your company needs to know that you’re a linchpin and treat you accordingly.

In some cases, people don’t appreciate you until they know that others want you. This is why it’s good for you to build your reputation. Use sites like LinkedIn to shine as a superstar. Attend networking events and mingle with different people who work for various companies. Sign up to present at major conferences and seminars. Build a name for yourself. Sheryl Sandberg is a linchpin as the COO of Facebook. If the board decided they didn’t agree and didn’t want her anymore, there’s no way she’d struggle to get a job. Why? This is because she’s developed a reputation of being an excellent asset to any company’s bottom line. No matter what your level of employment is, work on becoming a linchpin as it will serve you in the long run 😉

© New To HR