Chances are you have read the story of Noah building the Ark before the great flood. Or have you seen any variety of movies, be it a comedy or a documentary, where Noah received a message from God to build the Ark. He is instructed to gather the different species of animals in pairs and load them into the Ark along with his family in anticipation of the great flood.
Noah was often portrayed as a bit out of his mind, as no one believed such a flood was coming due to clear blue skies and no rain in sight. And yet, he persevered, preparing for the big event… though he didn’t know when it would be. So when the rains and subsequent floods came, Noah was ready.
As a person in his fifties or sixties, perhaps it would be wise to take a lesson from Noah when it comes to preparing for the future.
Think about it. Noah gets a tip that something important is headed his way. He has been told that it is better that you prepare and this is what you have to do. While others around him think he is crazy, he is busy preparing for his future and the survival of his family and animal life.
Are you getting signs that there are going to be major changes within your organization? Have you noticed how long-term employees start to leave when they seemed perfectly happy with their jobs? Are you hearing the rumors in the halls that an apartment in another city or state is closing?
These are all signs to watch out for. Your apartment could be next. Maybe not tomorrow or next month, but it could be later. You could be the next to be out of a job.
Let’s be realistic. Nobody wants to lose their job, so the last thing you’re probably thinking about is preparing to lose it. It seems counter intuitive. I understand. However, with daily Google alerts arriving in my inbox about corporate layoffs, I think the familiar conversation around the topic ‘what would we do if I suddenly lost my job?’ It has to happen
So what’s one to do when you don’t know if or when a flood is coming? Good question. Here are my thoughts on some areas to consider.
Build your network while you’re still employed
Now is not the time to fly under the radar. Now is when you want to be seen as a valuable asset to the company, so that when it comes time to decide who stays and who goes, you’re not in the latter category. Make yourself valuable.
Dust off your old resume/CV and update it. Have it ready to go in case you are suddenly faced with a termination letter. Will he be able to immediately seize new opportunities while others are still reeling from the shock of ‘what just happened’?
Connect or reconnect with others in your industry on LinkedIn. Start commenting on relevant posts and add a few of your own. Establish yourself as a thought leader or industry expert. To be seen.
Go out and network. Attend meet up groups or association meetings. Attend conferences inside and outside your industry. When exchanging business cards, be sure to follow up in a timely manner. That means within 3-5 days of the meeting, not a month later.
Prepare a spreadsheet of your network contacts with their names, emails, and phone numbers. You may not have access to your details if you are asked to leave the premises immediately.
Make the most of your company-sponsored benefits
The first thing you might consider is taking advantage of all of your medical benefits. Take advantage of medical check-ups paid for by your company. Use your dental benefits and get an eye exam. Buy that new pair of glasses while you still have some type of copay.
If you’ve been contributing to a benefit program, you better use it or lose it.
watch your expenses
Since your financial situation is the first thing that will be affected, you definitely want to focus on saving where you can. Let’s take a look at your spending habits. Eliminate the things you don’t really need.
Stop paying for cable channels you don’t watch. Honestly, you can only watch one channel at a time (channel surfing doesn’t count). Get rid of the landline phone at home. Few people call you on a home phone anymore.
Stop eating out so often. Stay and eat at home, it’s healthier and cheaper. Make a weekly menu and don’t go shopping until you see what’s in the cupboards first. Save the wine and beer for the weekend. Put the money you save each week into a special pot.
Stop buying things you don’t need. The word SALE does not mean BUY ME NOW.
Host a garage sale or sell your stuff on Craig’s List. Sell what you don’t need or donate it.
There you go. My thoughts and ideas on preparing for the unforeseen flood. Look at it this way, even if this never happens to you, you’ll end up being more valuable to your business, healthier and have cut some of your expenses and have more money in the bank.