These days, people are concerned about their job security and with good reason. No industry is safe from it. At my current job, we’re all facing reduced hours just trying to get through this. It’s tough to do your best when you know that tomorrow you might lose your job. You can guard against downsizing by making do with what you have and by acting the role you want to move to. You can also protect yourself by becoming the person the staff can’t imagine functioning without.
Now understand, being the “go-to” person is rough in many ways. You have to keep your ears and eyes open so you know what’s going on, even if no one has told you. You have to provide timely and beneficial advice, ideas, and work results. This doesn’t mean you have to be the best at everything, but it is helpful if you can produce consistent, high-quality work. It even helps to get along well with your co-workers. You don’t have to make them your best friends, but you should at least be cordial, know their names, etc.
Of course, once you’ve become that person no one wants to make do without, be careful. If you don’t set clear boundaries, people may start taking advantage of those skills and attitudes that made you indispensable to begin with, and that only leads to burning out. Do it with the same thoughtfulness and respect, and it should be smooth sailing for you and for those you work with.
