Clues that your Pink Slip may be on the way
It seems that nearly every day, when we turn on the radio or open a newspaper, another company is laying off employees. It is only natural that we begin to wonder if we have job security, or if perhaps we are next on the chopping block. If you fear that your pink slip may be on the way, here are a few signs to look for:
1. Eerie silence. It seems that most bad things that happen to us are foreshadowed by an uneasy silence. The calm before the storm, or that inexplicable "something" in the air. This is true for most things in life, from natural disasters, to relationship break-ups, to the workplace. If you feel that there is an uneasy silence around the workplace, chances are that some changes are likely on the way.
2. Competitors are laying off their employees. Unless your company is head and shoulders above the competition, there is a good chance that you are in the same boat as others in your position in other companies.
3. You're the low man (or woman) on the totem pole. Within most companies, there is an heirarchy. Those who have been with the company for years are higher on the ladder than someone who has been recently hired. When a company decides to layoff employees, the last ones in are usually the first ones to go.
4. You're close to retirement. Just as new hires are the first victims of a job layoff, those approaching retirement are usually the next to go. This is especially true for non-union jobs. In the eyes of management, it is much better for the bottom line to replace an experienced worker with a large salary with a younger worker with a smaller salary, especially if they are capable of doing the same exact job.
5. Rumors. Even though a great many rumors turn out to be nothing, many rumors are based on a small grain of truth. While it is never a good idea to put all your trust in those who gossip or spread rumors, it is still wise to pay attention. You just may never know if a rumor is based on a shred of truth. Not all rumors are true, but some always are.
Losing a job is a very traumatic experience for most people, but by keeping your eyes and ears open and looking for these signs, you can gain peace of mind, or at the very least be prepared for the worst.
