| If you can sense that your job is in trouble, there are few important measures to take before you're handed the pink slip, such as: -
Take advantage of everything your company has to offer while you still have it. That includes: -
Health examinations for you and the family (medical, dental, and vision) -
Professional training (workshops, conferences) -
Get your financial house in order. -
Bring down your credit card balances -
Eliminate excess spending where you can -
Investigate where you can get funds (money, loans) if you need them -
Make sure your pension and 401-Ks are protected (and it's all not in company stock) -
Make sure that your life insurance benefits are protected -
Review your benefits package and make sure the information is correct -
Put aside some cash from your check each week -
Consider a part-time moonlighting position -
Construct a plan of what you will do when the inevitable happens -
Contact head hunters -
Rework your resume -
Broaden your skills with some college or professional courses -
Go through your Rolodex and make sure you have your contacts in order -
Network with others in the industry and learn where new opportunities exist -
Consider starting your own business from home -
Research the market -
Visit lenders (banks, venture capitalists) -
Write a business plan -
Visit a SCORE office for free advice from retired executives or contact a SBA office (for more information, see Appendix A). |