Now that we’ve come to the end of this three-part magnum opus about recession, it’s finally time to start talking about what you can do now to prevent a recession from blind-siding you.  Even if a recession doesn’t happen, following these five tips will make you an outstanding employee and give you a leg up over the competition during your next job search.

1. Create your own value.  When you do the job the company has given you and don’t reach outside the boundaries of your position you’re essentially letting the company define your value.  By extending your reach beyond the scope of your position, however, you will render yourself valuable to the company and will have effectively defined your own worth.  If you have to, come in early and stay late.  Volunteer for projects, offer to help in other departments, try to save your company money.  The goal here is to become indispensable to your company in the hopes of preserving your job in the event of a recession.
2. Keep an ear to the ground.  Pay attention to your company and look for indicators of financial health.  If the company starts showing signs of fiduciary distress, start using your professional and social network to find out which companies are doing well.  By networking well early in the game you will avoid scrambling for a job at the last minute.
3. Look into part time or freelance jobs.  By diversifying your income you will create for yourself a safety net should you unexpectedly lose your primary source of income.
4. Stay on your toes.  The most marketable things about you is what you can do.  Make an effort to remain on top of current trends in your field and you will vastly improve your chances of not only adding value to your current company but also finding a new job should your other one disappear.  Specialized blogs, trade journals, and community college classes are great ways to keep your knowledge relevant.
5. Pay attention to the local job market.  Check the job listings in your area to find out which companies are hiring and which positions they are recruiting for.  It’s a good idea to do this even if you are currently employed because it will give you an idea of what your local job search could potentially look like.  If you notice that a lot of the companies in your field have been looking for someone with a particular skill it will be helpful to know that ahead of time so that you can be prepared.

In this situation, the overwhelming advice circulating among economists and job experts is this: be prepared and keep your eyes open.  Don’t let a recession take you by surprise and you will greatly increase your chances of emerging on the other side unscathed.

Part One: Which Jobs Are Looking Safe Now and In the Future?  

Part Two: What Is A Recession?