The United States shed 2.6 million jobs in 2008, with Arizona losing 115,000 jobs during that time - a higher percentage than every other state except for Rhode Island.
Companies are expected to keep cutting through 2009, especially as the economy contracts at its quickest pace in decades.
It's easy to be gripped by the fear that your job is next."People's productivity is being affected," said Dean Newlund, president of Phoenix-based Mission Facilitators International Inc. "It's hard to think clearly when you're depressed, when you're concerned about your job."
But it's a terrible strategy to hunker down in your cubicle and hope for the best. It's time to develop a strategy.
"Personally, I always feel better when I make a plan and take some action," said Ginny McMinn, founder and president of Gilbert-based McMinn HR, a human-resources consultancy.
10 steps you can take to save your job, sanity and move ahead,
1. Take on extra work.
This is not the time to cause problems at work. Arrive early and leave late. Get to the office before the boss and leave after him or her, even if it's just a five-minute span. Try to solve problems before asking for help from your boss.
Take on extra projects. Go above and beyond your job description. If layoffs occur, you want management to realize you're indispensable.
2. Figure out your place at work.
Stephen Viscusi, author of "Bulletproof Your Job: 4 Simple Strategies to Ride Out the Rough Times and Come Out on Top at Work," suggests that workers meet one-on-one with the boss for five minutes.
Ask him or her: "I know there are no guarantees, but where do I stand if we have layoffs here?"
The boss might reply: "I'm just as nervous as you, and I don't really know anything," or, "Your performance hasn't really been up to par, and I'm concerned about you."
Such a meeting will establish a baseline on where you stand. But keep it short.
3. Check your mental health.
Stress, in small amounts, can be good for people. It can provide the spark.
But try to avoid full-blown anxiety, which can show in the form of increased heart rate, sweating and shortness of breath.
Depression can take the form of a change in sleep habits, rapid weight loss or weight gain and decreased interest in activities a person once enjoyed. It also can come in the form of increased alcohol and drug abuse.
If eating better and exercising don't seem to abate these symptoms, it may be time to seek out a professional. Contact your company's employee-assistance program.
4. Help others.
Helping others who have less than you do can do wonders for your perspective.
One organization offering plenty of opportunities for busy people is Hands on Greater Phoenix (www.handsonphoenix.org). Volunteers can participate in a range of programs and time commitments.
5. Learn new skills.
Take advantage of any training offered by your company. Or check out the adult-education classes at a local community college.
What skills would help you advance your career? Web-page design? Learning Spanish? Taking leadership or management classes?
6. Put on a good face.
Look for the positive. This isn't to say you should be a Pollyanna; you must be realistic. But being cheerful helps. Help create the plan to move your company forward. And, as your company cuts back, it's a great opportunity to show your skills - maybe some you haven't been able to use.
7. Update your resume.
Many people have been out of the job market for years and haven't updated their resume. Others just add to the same resume they've had for years.
It's time to start fresh with an updated, professional document that highlights your qualifications.
Don't know where to begin? The Scottsdale Job Network offers a free resume critique on the first and third Tuesdays and Thursdays of the month. Details: www.scottsdalejobnet.com.
Other applicants have had luck with professional resume rewriting, although it can cost hundreds of dollars.
8. Project confidence.
You've heard the old adage, if you want to be a leader, act like one. Now is the time to do this. Go to meetings. Don't remain holed up in your office. You need to talk to people, helping spread your confidence. Your staff is looking for leadership, bring it. That means looking for solutions, not simply pointing out the problems.
9. Network, network, network.
This means more than just reconnecting with old friends and co-workers. What professional groups can you join? Are you attending events regularly?
Also, consider joining LinkedIn, a free, business-networking site. It connects friends, acquaintances and current and former co-workers.
10. Create a Plan B or C.
Ask yourself, "If I was laid off tomorrow and could do anything, what would it be?"
What kind of training is needed to do that job? How long does it take? What steps can you take now to begin down that career path, while you still have a paycheck from a job? Does it entail going back to school part time? Does it mean volunteering on weekends?
It's all about getting your foot in the door so that you have a safety net if your job disappears.
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