Job security comes from within ourselves

Pri Notowidigdo, The Amrop Hever Group, Global Executive Search, (e-mail: jakarta@amrophever.com)

Is there such a thing as job security? Can we expect our employer to guarantee us lifetime employment?

We can change our definition of job security and manage our lives to build a renewed sense of job security. This starts with learning to become comfortable with the unknown by accepting change as an opportunity for career growth and continued "job security."

It is no longer realistic to expect lifetime employment from an organization. Thousands of workers in Indonesia have already fallen victim to company downsizings and reorganizations ... More layoffs will likely follow as companies struggle to survive in an uncertain economy.

What can we do? We can start by accepting that job security comes from within ourselves. It's not because someone else gives us job security.

This requires us to build our skills, knowledge, and self- confidence everyday. This could be a good time to enroll in a university degree program or complete advanced professional training. Attend professional seminars and network with participants. Become better at something you enjoy or something you have already become good at doing. Share your knowledge and prove to others that you have what it takes to do it best.

Ask your company for special training and volunteer yourself for special projects. Be proactive in finding ways to upgrade your skills knowing that change is the only certainty in the workplace. Acknowledge that no employee is indispensable. We cannot take our jobs for granted. Instead, we have to accept that everyday we must continue to earn the right to keep our jobs.

The economy slows when profits start falling. In order to pay the remuneration of employees, companies must either boost sales or cut costs. In a slow economy, generating more sales may be beyond the control of the company. Therefore, it becomes relatively easy for companies to cut costs to stay profitable. The first cuts are often in personnel because that's where a lot of money can be saved.

As companies must get smaller, each employee must be a top producer. Therefore, a slowdown in the economy becomes a chance for the company to replace "just OK" performers with good and productive workers. This approach not only helps companies survive hard times but it also positions them well when business picks up again.

If you want to be a good and productive worker as well as be seen as one, remember that it's not the job title you hold nor the responsibilities in your job description. It's how much you have contributed to the company's financial position. The question you can ask yourself is: How have you solved the problems that once limited your organization's profitability? No matter what your job title is, you were hired to be a problem solver.

Don't ever assume then that just doing your job and even doing it very well is good enough. Protect your current position and prepare yourself for the future. Seek continually new ways to improve the skills you have, and add to your abilities and areas of expertise.

Start by being honest with yourself and acknowledge where you are. Learn what energizes you, keeps you focused, gives you a feeling of deep satisfaction, and which you do as naturally as breathing. This will make you sharp and give you focus and clarity so that you can reach consistent performance.

Acknowledge and accept that your career is in your own hands. When you proactively take control and accept responsibility for yourself, you will find satisfaction, a sense of worth, and self- esteem.