With layoffs coming more regularly, I am getting more questions on what should you do if you fear you may not have a job tomorrow. I thought I’d share some wisdom and hope for those who fear unemployment may be around the corner. Here are some of the practical tips I have been sharing with my clients and others who need some encouragement. A good defense is always your best offense.

Each step is part of a bigger plan of personal growth:

Step 1: Update your resume.

Step 2: Network with others who are in your field and be on the lookout for opportunities

Step 3: Talk with your supervisor/manager/ whoever you report to about your job performance. Your fears may be self-inflicted or you may be a potential job-loss target. You won’t know unless you ask.

Step 4: Build up your cash reserves to give yourself a head start if you are out of work. Shoot for one month’s take home pay if you currently have no savings then work from there. Preferably 3-6 months should be the minimum, one year’s worth is ideal.

Step 5: Browse job sites regularly for opportunities. www.monster.com, hotjobs.com, etc.

Step 6: Get your personal references available. Make sure you can count on co-workers before your worst fear becomes reality.

Step 7: Add value. If you are creating value for your company, you become less likely to be let go. Go above and beyond the call of duty. Take the extra step that your co-workers refuse to take. What can you do to make a difference?

Step 8: Look for ways to create passive income (income outside of your current job that is produced without you having to continually work – examples include book royalties, rental income, investment income, network marketing income, etc)

Step 9: Get friendly with a recruiter or two: some of the best job opportunities are often ones not advertised anywhere. Recruiters often know about job postings before the job even becomes available.

Step 10: Most of all seek God’s direction in your life. Keep praying and seek His will for your life and career. He can open doors you never thought possible. Make Him a part of your plan. Take the first step and He will direct your path.

My best advice is to try to be a leader and not a follower. Being an employee may seem the safe choice, but often the best rewards are when we step out in faith and create prosperity through innovation. Be a creator – a service or product that solves a problem and has a market is often repression proof.