Layoffs and the Perpetual Job Paradox

Everyday we hear the news of more layoffs everywhere. Perhaps even within the company you work for. Most of us take it as a big shocker.

Lets think about that for a moment. When you got hired by your company did they guarantee a job for perpetuity? Did you assume you would work there until you retired? My friends jobs are only temporary and they should be treated as such.

Most workers treat their current jobs as a never ending source as cash flow (see my post about redlining it). That's why most advertisers get you by pricing items as X $ per month. Oh yeah, I can afford it because every month I make $xx.

More so, since most believe their current job will never end then there's no need to sharpen your skills or stay current. Many long time corporate employees have found themselves out of work and obsolete in the market because of this thinking. Contractors on the other hand usually keep up with their skills and stay current with the market because they know their current gig will end soon.

If you assumed that your current job would end within a year what would you do different? Would you make learning new skills a priority? Would you handle your finances differently?