Most of us don’t really worry that much about what Wall Street is doing. We get worried when the economy is bad because of issues a little closer to home, like losing our jobs. Employment is a big issue because we don’t always have that much control over it: for most people, an employer can simply say, ‘Alright, we’re done. Go home.’ If a business gets in trouble — or even just wants to cut costs — getting rid of a staff member is often the easiest approach.

Despite that fact, you can protect your career during a down economy. It may be harder to reach your career goals. It’s not impossible, though. While Wall Street seems to be working without a plan, you are still quite capable of making one.

1. Prepare for a job change

A lot of people tie their career goals to their current position in a specific company. The fact of the matter is, however, most employees will head on to greener pastures every few years. Rather than pining all your hopes and dreams on the company you currently are working for, you should prepare for — and welcome — a job change. Don’t change jobs just for the heck of it, but be ready to leap at a great opportunity (and get ready to be thrown).

• Fix up your resume
• Prepare a portfolio
• Read the want-ads (and send out your resumes)
• Freelance or consult
• Update your references
• Renew your certifications

2. Think about your career goals

Just as your current position isn’t your full career, it shouldn’t be the sum and total of your career goals. Where do you want to be in five or ten years? What projects do you want to complete? You may have a lot more options available to you: even if you stay with a company doing layoffs, your career is likely to change significantly as you’re asked to take on the responsibilities of your departed peers. If you’re one of those departing employees, you have a wide variety of career options available: even in a tough job market, there are plenty of opportunities to be found. Either way, though, you want to be sure your employment future meshes with your career goals.

3. Consider your current position

It’s time to take a good close look at your current job. Make sure you enjoy it — if you don’t, it might be worth considering any buy out packages or other deals your employer offers. If you do enjoy it, though, think hard about what you can do to make sure you keep your job. Is there a project your really need to wow the higher ups on? Is there a way to make yourself even a little less dispensable? Make the effort to shine at your company and your job is that much more secure. Even just attempting to stand out by telling your supervisor that you really want to stay on even if there’s a layoff can help guarantee your job for a little while longer.

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