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Is my job secure or will I end up getting laid off?
How do I know if my job is secure? I just got a job offer at a large company, and I'm worried I will just end up getting laid off. Is this what companies are doing nowadays (hiring people temporarily, then laying them off)? Is it cheaper for companies to hire people full time, as opposed to contractors, only to lay them off when they're no longer needed? (This job is a fully remote marketing position. There is one other person who was also hired for the same position. She was a contractor last year and now they decided to hire her full-time).
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4 answers
Xavier Bell | MBA
Career Change - Life Learner- Education People Development
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Xavier’s Answer
Alex, WOW!
That is such a major concern for so many these days, that no matter where you are at in your career cycle, you can be impacted. Staffing strategies can vary from company to company, (especially privately held vs. publicly traded), can be cyclical, can be driven by technology advancements such as the the latest A.I. disruption, and even can be impacted by global activities and weather. Your concerns are valid and shared by all. Do not let them cripple you. Follow your passions and adjust/adapt to change. Change is constant, not paralyzing.
My experience has fostered a belief that as long as you remain ready, flexible and embrace change you are already winning.
Change will happen- Embrace it, see/look for opportunities to follow your passions
Excelsior!
That is such a major concern for so many these days, that no matter where you are at in your career cycle, you can be impacted. Staffing strategies can vary from company to company, (especially privately held vs. publicly traded), can be cyclical, can be driven by technology advancements such as the the latest A.I. disruption, and even can be impacted by global activities and weather. Your concerns are valid and shared by all. Do not let them cripple you. Follow your passions and adjust/adapt to change. Change is constant, not paralyzing.
My experience has fostered a belief that as long as you remain ready, flexible and embrace change you are already winning.
Change will happen- Embrace it, see/look for opportunities to follow your passions
Excelsior!
Updated
Elizabeth (Betsy)’s Answer
Hey Alex,
You know, it's a simple fact that businesses need to adapt to stay relevant in the ever-changing market, and sometimes, unfortunately, that involves letting some employees go. It's a tough reality, but unless you're your own boss, it's something we can't always dodge. What we can control, though, is how we react.
I've been in your shoes, having been laid-off when my company had to change direction. It was a challenging time, no doubt about it. But I had bills to pay, so I had to keep going. I turned my attention to the opportunities that were still available to me. I focused on the areas where I had made a difference in my job, and used those experiences as conversation starters when I was interviewing for new positions. So, here's my advice for you:
1. Whenever you start a new job or take on a new role, pinpoint the tasks where you can make a real difference and concentrate on adding value. If you're in marketing, for example, this could be contributing to a campaign or something similar. This way, you'll have valuable experiences to talk about in the future.
2. Keep on learning, stay curious, and don't be afraid to try new things. This mindset can open up opportunities you never even thought of before. I've been lucky enough to move into roles I wouldn't have imagined for myself, simply because I took the initiative and stepped out of my comfort zone.
Best of luck to you.
You know, it's a simple fact that businesses need to adapt to stay relevant in the ever-changing market, and sometimes, unfortunately, that involves letting some employees go. It's a tough reality, but unless you're your own boss, it's something we can't always dodge. What we can control, though, is how we react.
I've been in your shoes, having been laid-off when my company had to change direction. It was a challenging time, no doubt about it. But I had bills to pay, so I had to keep going. I turned my attention to the opportunities that were still available to me. I focused on the areas where I had made a difference in my job, and used those experiences as conversation starters when I was interviewing for new positions. So, here's my advice for you:
1. Whenever you start a new job or take on a new role, pinpoint the tasks where you can make a real difference and concentrate on adding value. If you're in marketing, for example, this could be contributing to a campaign or something similar. This way, you'll have valuable experiences to talk about in the future.
2. Keep on learning, stay curious, and don't be afraid to try new things. This mindset can open up opportunities you never even thought of before. I've been lucky enough to move into roles I wouldn't have imagined for myself, simply because I took the initiative and stepped out of my comfort zone.
Best of luck to you.
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
With all that is going on in the world, this is a very real and valid concern. There are a few indicators that you can look at. Has the company had other layoffs in the last two years? Why did the person before you vacate the job? What sector are they in and is it one that is growing or shrinking?
The sad reality is that you can do a job very well, but if the company is not doing well, you can still find yourself without a job.
Looking at the above won’t guarantee you safety, but will hopefully allow you to make a good decision. Good luck with your choice and overall career.
The sad reality is that you can do a job very well, but if the company is not doing well, you can still find yourself without a job.
Looking at the above won’t guarantee you safety, but will hopefully allow you to make a good decision. Good luck with your choice and overall career.
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Alex, I want to assure you that it's completely normal to worry about job security, particularly when you're beginning a new role in a big organization. Even though there's no such thing as a sure thing in any job, there are several things you can do to gauge your job's stability and ease your anxieties about possible layoffs.
First off, take a look at the financial well-being and steadiness of the company. Investigate the company's financial results, profitability, and growth path to get an idea of its stability and future prospects. Companies that are financially robust and have a history of success are generally less prone to layoffs unless they're dealing with major economic hurdles or restructuring plans.
Moreover, Alex, it's crucial to assess the demand for your role and skills within the company and the industry. If your job is vital to the company's operations, expansion plans, or strategic goals, you're more likely to enjoy job security. On the other hand, roles that can be easily outsourced, automated, or are subject to market changes may be more vulnerable to layoffs.
Also, Alex, keep an eye on the company's culture and leadership. A supportive and open culture, along with effective leadership communication, can give you reassurance and confidence in the company's dedication to its employees. Look for signs of employee involvement, investment in professional growth, and efforts to encourage work-life balance, as these are signs of a company that appreciates its employees and strives for retention.
In regards to the practice of hiring people on a temporary basis and then laying them off, often referred to as "hire and fire" or "contract-to-hire," it's crucial to understand that every company has its own hiring and employment practices. Some companies might hire contractors at first with the goal of transitioning them to full-time roles based on performance and business requirements, while others might use temporary or contract arrangements to save money or meet short-term staffing needs.
When it comes to cost considerations, companies may balance the advantages and disadvantages of hiring full-time employees versus contractors based on factors like salary, benefits, overhead costs, and flexibility. While contractors might offer cost savings in the short term, hiring full-time employees can offer stability, continuity, and long-term dedication to the company's goals and objectives. However, economic conditions, market forces, and industry trends can affect companies' staffing decisions and strategies.
To sum up, Alex, even though there are no guarantees of job security in any role, you can take active steps to evaluate the likelihood of job stability and make knowledgeable decisions about your career. Study the company's financial health, assess the demand for your role, think about the company's culture and leadership, and stay informed about industry trends and employment practices. By staying informed and proactive, you can steer your career with confidence and alleviate worries about possible layoffs.
First off, take a look at the financial well-being and steadiness of the company. Investigate the company's financial results, profitability, and growth path to get an idea of its stability and future prospects. Companies that are financially robust and have a history of success are generally less prone to layoffs unless they're dealing with major economic hurdles or restructuring plans.
Moreover, Alex, it's crucial to assess the demand for your role and skills within the company and the industry. If your job is vital to the company's operations, expansion plans, or strategic goals, you're more likely to enjoy job security. On the other hand, roles that can be easily outsourced, automated, or are subject to market changes may be more vulnerable to layoffs.
Also, Alex, keep an eye on the company's culture and leadership. A supportive and open culture, along with effective leadership communication, can give you reassurance and confidence in the company's dedication to its employees. Look for signs of employee involvement, investment in professional growth, and efforts to encourage work-life balance, as these are signs of a company that appreciates its employees and strives for retention.
In regards to the practice of hiring people on a temporary basis and then laying them off, often referred to as "hire and fire" or "contract-to-hire," it's crucial to understand that every company has its own hiring and employment practices. Some companies might hire contractors at first with the goal of transitioning them to full-time roles based on performance and business requirements, while others might use temporary or contract arrangements to save money or meet short-term staffing needs.
When it comes to cost considerations, companies may balance the advantages and disadvantages of hiring full-time employees versus contractors based on factors like salary, benefits, overhead costs, and flexibility. While contractors might offer cost savings in the short term, hiring full-time employees can offer stability, continuity, and long-term dedication to the company's goals and objectives. However, economic conditions, market forces, and industry trends can affect companies' staffing decisions and strategies.
To sum up, Alex, even though there are no guarantees of job security in any role, you can take active steps to evaluate the likelihood of job stability and make knowledgeable decisions about your career. Study the company's financial health, assess the demand for your role, think about the company's culture and leadership, and stay informed about industry trends and employment practices. By staying informed and proactive, you can steer your career with confidence and alleviate worries about possible layoffs.