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PROGRAM D-7752
How do you keep a job? There’s lots of good information available for those who are job hunting, but what about how to keep a good job?
I talked about keeping your attitude in good shape. The next thing is your work habits. You know, there is great value in being dependable and trustworthy. And that begins with being on time—even a little early—every workday. Be honest with yourself—are you very careful to be on time each day, or do you fudge a little here and there?
I know many people think they don’t have to be exactly on time because no one else is, or because they work extra at times. But believe me, being on time every day sends a message about you that employers don’t miss. If you value your job and you don’t like the idea of looking for another one, then make sure you are on time every day. Of course, the real reason you should be on time is because it’s the right thing to do.
Another way to keep your job is to be a very good guardian of your employer’s time and assets. That means you work when you’re supposed to work and you use company equipment for business purposes, not personal ones. Be careful about developing a reputation for wasting time by having long personal conversations with co-workers or spending lots of time on your phone with personal calls. Those things are noticed by your employer, and even though they may never say anything to you about it, they are aware of your propensity to waste their time.
How about procrastination—putting off the things you really don’t like to do? That’s a bad habit that will not increase your value to your employer. The way I deal with that is whatever I have to do today that I don’t want to do, I try to do it first and get it out of the way. It works for me and I recommend it.
If you really want to keep the job you have, then you should examine your work habits closely and make sure they stand out in every way. Colossians 3 says: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart . . . It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24).