It’s Part 3 of Helpful Job Hacks for you, dear reader. I’ve posted Parts 1 and Parts 2, and there’s more to come. As I watch layoffs and stupid decisions screw people over, I want to make sure I get out all the survival tips I’ve gathered over nearly 4 decades.
Life Stuff
Learn Home Budgeting – This is going to help you control your money. When you control your money, it can’t control YOU, and the job can’t either.
Live Accessibly – If you have control over where you live, find places with good transport, walkability, etc. This way if you have to switch jobs it’s easier to get there.
Learn What Matters – I downshifted after a bad life phase, and saved money and had a much more fulfilling life. Take time to review what you really need, what your goals are. Then you can make the job work for you.
Learn “Happy Frugality” – Learn how to spend money well, so your money goes farther. Do you need the fancy clothes, etc.? Besides, when you know how to spend money, the job scene controls you less – and when you’re making more money it goes a lot farther!
Invest – In All Ways – Sure your retirement funds are important since they let you quit work. But use your job to invest in yourself and your life in ways that give you control. Retirement funds, training that can turn into a side job, etc. Channel what you can into using your job to give you control.
Help Out – When you get your career in order help others out. Share your knowledge, because it sucks. It’s good for the soul
TACTICS
Be Visible . . . – If people know you in a positive way, you’re harder to fire and people will be less likely to think bad things. Network, be friendly, maybe do a side thing people see.
. . . Be Invisible – If being visible isn’t your thing or isn’t advisable, learn to be invisible so you don’t get bothered or blamed. Change up your hours, learn when you can stay silent, learn how to touch base so people think you’re OK.
Get A Side Project – Charities, events, etc. offer a chance to “do something on the side at work.” This lets you get visible, be seen in a good light, and of course stop doing your actual job. I’ve seen people get raises based on doing stuff not relevant to their work.
Volunteer To Avoid – Running an errand, taking something across the building, etc. is an excuse to get out of work for awhile. Use this, because having to hike across the building is probably preferable to sitting at your desk.
Use Your Hobby – Carefully – If you have a hobby relevant for your job, it can help you on the job – say if you’re an artist and you do stuff for the department newsletter. This can make your job fun, look good, and give you a reason not to work. It can also result in more work so be careful.
Use Your Devices – Your own devices can let you take advantage of your job. Sure your phone lets you chat with people, but a cheap laptop might let you write over lunch. Find ways to use your phone, your own computer, etc. to do more over lunch, hidden in a meeting room, or on your commute.
Magician’s Force – Need to ask someone for a decision? Make a recommendation that you want and present it as a suggestion or best option. 80% of the time the person or manager will follow your advice as it’s easier.
PEOPLE
Network – Look, you’re stuck at work. So get to know people as it can help you on the job, keep you update on the gossip, and you may make actual friends. Then you can band together to take over OR escape.
Nepotism – If you think everyone got their jobs due to qualifications, you’re wrong. So if you like your job and it’s at a good place, help other people get on board – ethically! A reference matters, so direct them to go jobs where you are. Then you can band together . . .
Start An Interest Group – Start a group to share interests -bookclubs, artists, cooking, etc. This looks good, builds connections, and lets you make allies.
More to come, dear friends, more to come . . .
-Xenofact