By Joe Palumbo III
If you ask four Queens residents their take on the recession, three believe we already in the midst of one. Even worse is that when asking Queens residents about their own economic outlook, people already say they are cutting back in comparison to last year. So how do you stay recession-proof and relieve the worry that you may be downsized? Now is probably not the time to ask for time off or go on a vacation. Be visible to your employer. Also look to come in earlier and possibly stay after that 5 p.m. buzzer sounds, to show you are a team player and an asset to the company. Make sure your skills are up to par. Companies tend to dump people who are termed “obsolete” and overpaid. Never, ever stop networking. Networking can help you make contacts in the event you are let go and need to start handing out your resume. Networking can also help you find new contacts that will create lucrative business opportunities for your company. Don't whine or snivel about tough times. Management wants people who are upbeat and keep a positive attitude. If you can ride the rough waters, how much more productive will you be when times are better?So How's Business in regards to trying to stay recession-proof? If you are not a mortgage banker, home builder or in some of the finance arenas, your position may be very secure. For the most part, economists still can't even decide if we are going into a recession. Further unemployment is just 0.9 percent higher than the 4 percent level that economists consider “full employment,” which means that everyone who wants a job has one.
