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In this time of recession with all of the high unemployment rates, numerous pink slips, and tearful, not to mention confused out of work men and women out there who find themselves on the office elevator going down with their box of belongings in hand, is it really the end of the world or is it maybe just a blessing in disguise? Well that all depends on one thing. How far would you go to keep your job? Okay, okay, I know what you’re thinking. During times like these, as my mother likes to say, “You gotta do what you gotta do!” I agree with that as i’m sure many others do; especially the ones with families to support.

But what are you really, really willing to do to make sure you stay in the game? We all know about the corporate wolves and suckups. You know the ones. They have absolutely no shame! They draw a fine line between being a model employee and simply abandoning all of their dignity and self-respect just to get to the top. However, just imagine it starts off slow like a good date. You finally found a nice job, decent pay, decent hours and it’s flowing quite nicely but then things start to get a little shaky and out of fear of losing what you think might be the best thing in your life at the moment, be it the hunk a burnin’ love or the corner office, BOOM, you make yourself easy like Sunday morning. Or should I say, they ask for clean-up volunteers in the break room and suddenly your hand is in the air, much like your hypothetical legs.

And just like that date to nowhere with the midnight booty calls, you’re conveniently asked to stay a little later to help with a project, add a couple of extra duties to your already lengthy and extensive job description, or worse they make impromptu calls regarding work on your personal cell phone on the weekends and take note if you dare act displeased. All of this, with the promise of no bonus, pay increase, or guaranteed job security resulting from the recession of course. Their thoughts, “Just be glad to keep your job!” But what just happened? What are you? A cheap date or a cheap employee.

Does this mean you should let your emotions take control, throw a fit, and stage a one man strike. Certainly not! Come on, remember what The Rules ladies taught us, be good, but be smart. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, always have something to fall back on! Don’t wait until you get the pink slip to start that online business, write that book, take that class, or go out for that other dream job (yeah that one that you really wanted)! Put the wheels in motion to make your dreams a reality now! And in the unfortunate case that you’re the star in that ugly scene on the elevator with the box in hand, then maybe just maybe, it will be the start of a new beginning instead of a hopeless end.

Never stop dreaming!