Don't Panic

I've had a lot of calls over the last few weeks from people looking for a new job because they've heard rumours that their employers are planning to retrench or that there are financial problems or a big client might not renew a contract.

Economic downturns are a fact of life and unless you are very young you have probably been through at least one before and there will be other ones in the future. Like most things that happen in life you can choose how you deal with these situations. If your company is struggling, before you head for the life boats take a moment to assess the situation. What is causing the problem, how long will it last and what can you do to help?

In some cases the company is badly run and likely to go out of business sooner rather than later so now is probably as good a time to leave as any. However, some companies are well run, stable and have a future. For these companies it's a case of riding out the storm and making sure that they are in one piece once things start to pick up. What is your situation? Is your company essentially sound or is it a lost cause? If it's sound what can you do to make sure it survives and you keep your job. Look at the problems and see what solutions you can come up with.

Do this and when the economy picks up you will be in a better situation within your company than you were before. Always look for a solution before allowing a problem to make you move.