You just got that new, shiny job you’ve been lusting over. Sure, you had to sign your soul away to get it, promising on paper not to do any work in your industry 5 years after parting ways, agreeing not to ever take on a side gig, and accepting a pay-rate that is in the bottom 10th percentile, just to get in the door. You think the negotiation is over? Never.

At-will employment means that either party can sever the working relationship at any time for any reason. This basically means that most employees constantly work in fear of losing their jobs, and managers hold no qualms about exploiting that fear.

How do you maintain your sanity in this state? Knowing that your livelihood can be swept out from under you at a moments notice? You can’t, so we live in denial, and try to avoid being the target of a bosses wrath.

Or, you can develop a proactive attitude and stop waiting for things to happen. By making yourself a valuable asset to your company you are both increasing your marketability and strengthening your position there, each of which makes it very difficult for a company to fire you. They’d have to find a qualified replacement, which isn’t cheap or easy.

How to make yourself a valuable asset? Rise above the role of a mindless worker drone, do not be expendable.

• Constantly learn new things about your industry, report these findings.
• Don’t be afraid to criticize the bosses logic if you are certain of your knowledge.
• Take measured risks. Show that you can make decisions, not just act on instructions.
• Identify the key social players at your workplace, avoid if you don’t like, befriend if you do.
• Write a one page report identifying a new opportunity for your business, address costs, benefits, and an overview of why this is necessary for the future. Be sure to forward to people who, if the proposal was acted upon, it would affect. Don’t get disappointed if nobody listens or cares.
• Work hard, beat deadlines, answer emails promptly, show devotion & reliability, always produce top-quality work, show up on time, dress one step above the office standard, if realistic.
• Don’t let your social networking / information addiction interfere with your work.
• For at Home workers: Make a window of availability where you guarantee your presence.

This isn’t about protecting your job at all costs. That defensive thinking will turn against you and make work an unbearable place, for you and others. This is about creating a work environment where you do things which are in your interest and the company’s interest to ensure your security and save your sanity.

Your only power in at-will employment is the ability to quit at any time for any reason.

World travel sounds good right now…