That is the question. So what's your answer? It's probably no, unless you're the offspring of a wealthy magnate or the beneficiary of a trust fund. Yet, while you can't afford to lose your job, what are you doing to mitigate the risk? The longer you work, the greater the probability that you will experience job loss whether it is voluntary or involuntary. But no one wants to think of this eventuality. It's much easier to assume that "your" office space belongs to you, and that you will decide the length of your employment tenure. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we no longer live in that world.
Being an employee in today's world means you have to think strategically about your income sources. Every employee should be an expert in risk management because it is essential to protecting your livelihood. Sadly, most employees wait for the axe to fall before they are forced to take action. Not a wise move. Why would you wait until you are fired before you start seeking another source of income? That's like a company waiting until customers stop buying its products before it designs new ones. In this new economic order of job loss and job gain, it's everyone for himself. There will be no bailout fund to help you transition through your economic crisis should you find yourself unexpectedly jobless.
What should you do? Start looking for a job today! See how long it takes for you to get an interview. See how long it takes for you to get extended an employment offer. You might be surprised to find how much has changed in the job search process and how long it takes to get even an initial interview. Do you really think it's wise to get fired first, and then start a job search based on desperation? You don't want to go down that road. Nobody is saying that you have to leave your current job; however, you should at least have some viable backups in the pipeline. And nothing is stopping you from working an extra part-time job (unless you really can afford to lose your job).
