When business evaluates a project, they use a variety of measurements to determine if they will invest the time and effort to achieve the result. Business managers use measurements like Return on Investment to help them reach an investment threshold. If the return hits the threshold, they move the project forward. If it doesn’t, they don’t approve of the project.
For business, it’s all about the money. Unfortunately, for too many knowledge workers, it isn’t.
Instead, we are told to love our work. We are told to work extra hours – for no pay. We are told that we should be loyal to companies when companies will lay us off in a cold-blooded minute.
We hurt ourselves as well. We don’t have the money in the bank to support ourselves for a full year’s layoff. We carry too much debt. And we show a poor commitment to save for retirement at the exact time that companies are slashing pensions that would help make retirement secure.
Career management isn’t just resumes or finding the next gig. Career management isn’t just loving your work. Career management isn’t just about the money. Career management is the entire package – how we perform in our jobs, how we deal with management, how we build our networks and personal brands, and how we save to keep the castle.
How good are you at saving for a layoff day?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Erika with Qvisory 09.11.08 at 5:24 pm
My husband and I have mastered living frugally and, as such, have saved up a decent rainy day fund. Anyone without a rainy day fund is really living dangerously in this kind of economy!
Scot 09.15.08 at 1:41 pm
@Erika with Qvisory - Especially in this economy.
The best time to build the safety net is when times are good. When times are tough, it is tough to drain the swamp while alligators are all around.