23 Tips for How To Keep Your Job

Why should you try to keep your job?

Unless you’re ready to move on from your current job and have another opportunity awaiting you, it’s best to keep your current position. However, it’s important to make the right decision for you. Before you decide whether you want to leave your job, consider the following reasons that explain why it’s beneficial to stay at your current employer:

• It provides financial stability. Keeping your job ensures a steady stream of income. If you decide to leave your job without another opportunity lined up, for example, there’s no telling when you’ll earn another paycheck. Having some financial stability makes it easier for you to pay for ordinary expenses such as rent, utilities and groceries.
  
• It secures your health benefits. If your current position provides you with a benefits package, leaving your job means you’ll miss out on the advantages this provides. Though benefits packages last for a while after you leave your company, they’re bound to expire at some point. If you haven’t found a new job by the time they expire, you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket for any of your healthcare needs.
  
• You can avoid a stressful job search. When you leave your job and begin to search for new opportunities, you’re faced with competition from other working professionals looking for similar jobs. Even if you find a worthwhile opportunity, you still have to go through the interview process and make an effort to stand out among the other candidates vying for the same position.
  
• You don’t have to rebuild workplace relationships. Leaving your current position for a new opportunity means new coworkers and a new manager. Building these connections takes time and effort. Keep in mind that the effort you put into your current relationships won’t carry over into your new position.
  
• You may encounter a leadership change. If you’re unhappy with your job but there’s new leadership taking over soon, it may be worth staying. Keeping your job under these circumstances may be worthwhile in the event it provides you with positive changes in the workplace, such as opportunities for career advancement or a better work culture.
  
• You’re under 12 months of employment. It’s best to stay with your current employer for at least a year. Staying for anything under 12 months may raise red flags to prospective hiring managers regarding your stability and career dedication.

5. Be punctual

Consistently arrive to work on time to show your commitment to your job and the consideration you have for both the company and your coworkers. It’s also important to avoid taking a long lunch or an overly long break. Being punctual helps you get right to work and may help strengthen your relationships with your peers.Related: Time Management Skills: Definition and Examples

6. Maintain a good attendance record

Avoid using too many sick days as this can show your employer that you’re not dedicated to your position with the company. If you need to miss work, notify your manager of your absence ahead of time.

7. Offer your assistance

To improve your job security, consider offering your help or volunteering to take on new responsibilities. Not only does this benefit your employer, but it also lets you learn new things and can help you grow professionally.

8. Add valuable contributions

When hiring managers look for prospective employees, they want someone who meets the job’s qualifications and can add value to the company as a whole. As an employee, make sure you’re adding measurable contributions that your employer can witness or track. For example, you may help them save costs or increase sales by a certain figure. Make sure both you and your manager are aware of your contributions moving forward.

9. Take on more work

Employers appreciate employees who express their willingness to take on additional work. This makes them view you as a valuable employee who wants to continue to grow within their organization. Embrace growth and look for opportunities where you can take on additional assignments.

10. Have a genuine relationship with your manager

Take the time to develop a positive and professional relationship with your manager or supervisor. Make sure you have mutual support and trust for one another. When you have a genuine work friendship with them, it helps decrease your chances of getting laid off.

11. Be flexible

As an employee, it’s important to be flexible in order to meet the unexpected needs of your employer. Being flexible can help when your manager needs you to switch shifts with another employee when you need to cover someone’s unexpected leave, when you’re asked to work over the weekend or when you’re asked to put in overtime. Your willingness to adapt shows your valuableness as an employee when unexpected circumstances arise. Related: How to Be Flexible at Work (With Tips and Examples)

12. Have a positive attitude

Maintain a positive attitude when you arrive to work every day. No matter what goes on during the workday or what problems arise, practicing gratitude and maintaining a happy demeanor shows your employer that you’re a team player who can look beyond tough issues. A positive attitude can also influence morale in the workplace.

13. Work longer hours

While work-life balance is important, it’s important for your manager to view you as a hardworking employee. To do this, start your shift early and stay late if needed. Make sure your manager notices your effort and dedication to your job.

14. Ask to be cross-trained

Even if you work in a particular department, it’s helpful to learn how other teams work. Ask to be cross-trained in other areas to help when the need arises or in the event of a staff shortage. Your willingness to learn new skills or knowledge shows your dedication to the company and helps you grow new skills along the way.

15. Further your education

As an employee, it’s important to look for ways to grow in your career. Consider earning an advanced degree, undergoing training or earning a credential in your field. Furthering your knowledge can help you perform your job better and may increase your chances of promotion. To help you keep your job, make sure your manager is aware of your efforts to advance in your field and with the company.

16. Keep your skills current

Employers want employees who can grow alongside the company. Because of this, it’s important to take the time to improve your skills in your current position. Make sure your skills accelerate as time goes on and that they add to the company’s success. When your manager sees your growth and the valuable contributions you’ve made, it can help them look elsewhere when they need to cut costs or lay off employees.

17. Be an active participant

Apart from doing your work-related duties, go out of your way to get involved with the company. For example, you can attend company luncheons or outings. This shows your employer that you’re interested in the company beyond the monetary value they provide you. It’s also helpful to ask questions and offer ideas during meetings, as this shows your interest in the company at large.

18. Ask for feedback

While employers often conduct employee performance reviews to help gauge what you’re doing right and wrong, you can always ask your manager about ways to improve. Not only can this help you become a better employee, but it also shows them that you’re eager to perform your job to the best of your ability. Related: How to Ask for Feedback