People want different things from their job. While some people follow their passion, others simply want to earn a decent living — to keep a roof over their head and food on the table. Some folks measure their self-worth by their title and the amount of money they make, while others simply want job security. To them, a good job buys peace of mind.

10 Ways to Obtain Job Security

Is peace of mind job #1 for you? Here are 10 ways to gain job security:

Provide exceptional value. Some people have impeccable values, are extremely competent, and are highly productive. They’re worth their weight in gold.

Possess unrivaled expertise. Some folks have unique expertise, strong relationships, and in-depth knowledge of the inner workings of their organization.

Hold a line rather than a staff position. Some folks gravitate to a revenue-generating position because it’s less expendable during tough times. (Staff positions — viewed as overhead — are more likely to get cut first.)

While the first three points are constructive, some folks will go to any length to protect their job, even if it’s not productive. Here are some examples:

Withhold information. Some people withhold information unless it’s requested, retain information in their head rather than documenting it, and fail to teach others critical procedures.

Suck up to the boss. Some folks rely on personality rather than performance. They spend time trying to impress the boss rather than doing their job.

Play it safe. Some people are like wallpaper and try to remain in the background. They do as they’re told, shy away from high-visibility projects, and never rock the boat.

Rely on relationships. Some folks have a high likability index. They rely on the belief that the company couldn’t succeed without the relationships they build.

Promote your achievements. Some people spend more time promoting their accomplishments than doing their work. (Ugh.)

Play games. Some folks promote themselves at the expense of others. When something good happens, they’re first to take the credit. When something goes south, they find others to blame.

Negotiate no-cut employment contracts. Some people negotiate a contract that makes termination difficult, if not impossible. You have to wonder, if these folks are so good, why do they need a contract for protection?

Make Yourself Indispensable

If peace of mind means everything to you, it’s important to know that no job will provide that for you. If you truly want job security, make yourself indispensable. When you have superior knowledge, experience, and skills — coupled with strong moral character — you won’t have to rely on the whims of an organization. You’ll be a tremendous asset anywhere you choose to work, including your existing organization. Plus, you won’t have to spend a lot of time selling yourself because your reputation will do the selling for you.

If you truly want job security, don’t count on others, count on yourself.

If you’re striving to grow personally and professionally, here are 10 points worthy of your consideration:

Is personal growth a priority? People spend hours at the gym exercising their body. Do you make time to exercise your mind?

Do you have a personal development strategy? Do you set goals for your personal growth or is it haphazard? Do you depend on others to spoon-feed you or do you take the bull by the horns?

Are you in a rut? Some folks limit the scope of their learning. It’s important to strengthen your knowledge, skills, experience, mindset, and moral character.

Do you limit yourself? Some people focus on professional development to the exclusion of their personal growth.

Are you taking the long-term view? Are you trying to learn things that help you today or things that will benefit you tomorrow? While both are important, the future will happen whether you’re ready or not.

Do you take the easy route? Some folks gravitate to work that’s easy because it makes them look good. If work isn’t challenging, it won’t provide a learning opportunity.

Do you find feedback a turnoff? Some people view feedback as criticism rather than as a gift.

What’s your experience worth? Do you have 20 years of experience or one year of experience repeated 20 times?

Do you value lifelong learning? Some folks think learning ends upon graduation — rather than continuing K through life.

Who do you want to be? Most people spend time organizing their to-do list. Do you have a to-be list?

Get Real Job Security

There are many reasons why companies cut costs. The problem is that most of them are out of your control. That said, if you’re truly looking for job security, it’s critical to invest in your personal development and make yourself invaluable. It’s not only personally fulfilling, but just as importantly, no one can take these assets away from you. The knowledge and experience that you garner will benefit you for life. When you’re honorable and knowledgeable, and can do things better than others, you’ll be worth your weight in gold. You’ll be able to write your own ticket rather than depending on the goodwill of others. That’s what I call real job security.

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How Much Do You Value Job Security?

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Additional Reading:
Make Personal Development a Priority
Keep Learning — Even When You’re Busy
The Easy Way May Be the Hard Way
How Do You React to Negative Feedback?
Make Experience Your Best Teacher
Live and Learn
12 Ways to Make Yourself Proud

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