Job insecurity is when you are worried about keeping your job. It is more common for people who have jobs that are not permanent. These jobs include:

There are many reasons why people might lose their jobs. It could be because of changes in the economy or a shift in the market. Right now, the world is in the middle of a pandemic. Companies are having to make changes to survive. Here are some of the changes they are making:

• Letting people go
• Reducing the size of the company
• Shutting down

Job insecurity is something that can happen to anyone. If you’re worried that you might lose your job soon, here are some tips to help you manage stress and stay in control:

1. Look after yourself

   • It’s important to have people around you who make you feel good. They can give advice, make you feel better, keep you motivated, and help you stay on track.
   • Talk to a professional. You don’t need to be in a crisis to get help. You can talk to a therapist or a career coach. These services are free for people who live in Manitoba. Here are some organizations you can contact:
   • Aurora Family Therapy Centre
   • Manitoba Start
   • Success Skills Centre
   • Maintain healthy habits – What we eat and think can affect our strength, moods, and decisions. Eating a balanced diet and getting advice from a doctor can help. Exercise, meditation, yoga, or prayer can also help. To learn more about how to keep your mind healthy and strong, read 5 ways to keep your mind clean and healthy.

2. Show your worth

   It’s easy to feel discouraged when you’re in this situation. But it’s important to do your best work at all times. This will show your boss that you are worth keeping.

   • If you are in a term or probationary position, a good track record can help you get a permanent position.
   • If you’re a contractual employee or a freelancer, this can lead to more projects or people recommending you for future work.
   • Even if you do get terminated, you can still get a good recommendation letter. This will help you get a new job.
   • Best of all, you can leave the company feeling proud when your term ends. It’s a great feeling to know that you did your best.

3. Make a new plan

   Job insecurity can make you feel like you don’t have control over your life. But you can take back control by making a plan. This plan should be clear and have a timeline. To help you make a plan, watch this video from GCFLearnFree.org. It will give you tips on how to make a plan that works for you.

4. Keep learning and growing

   Follow your plan and keep learning. Develop your skills by learning more and becoming better at what you do. It’s also important to keep improving your English. Being able to communicate clearly is important in any job.

5. Be open to new opportunities

   Be ready to take advantage of any chance that comes your way. You never know what could be great.

   • Look for opportunities within your current company. See if there are other departments that need your skills.
   • If not, search for jobs on your free time or during weekends.
   • Speak to people by going to job fairs, lectures, and symposia.
   • Make sure your LinkedIn profile and resume are up-to-date. Have your resume ready so you can apply quickly if an opportunity comes up.

6. Save money

   It is important to have an emergency fund. It will help you if you lose your job. It will cover things like rent, food, and other necessities. You can read Do I really need an emergency fund? to find out how much money you should save.

7. Understand your value

   Don’t be too hard on yourself. This won’t help anyone. Do things that make you feel better. Remember that you are more than just your job. Life is more than work. Have faith in yourself. Believe that your time will come. Stay hopeful. Things will get better.