Our heads are spinning with all the layoffs happening in this crazy economy. So when the news comes that the layoffs have hit your company – and you survive – what can you do to ensure your continued employment? Even if your current position does fall through, these tips can help you plan for a successful career, not just a job. Here are some great ideas from February 2009’s issue of Money Magazine.

1) Get more schooling: Working on an MBA or other industry certifications show you are willing to stay current in your career. You may need to consider the cost, but evaluate the value once the goal is achieved. Strategy: Work on the same degrees and certifications held by the leaders in your profession.

2) Keep a current network: Instead of just milling around, volunteer to help in the networking event. Sincerely help others, and when you need it, they will sincerely help you. Networking sites like LinkedIn can ease you in to the networking world. Strategy: Be generous when helping others, and they will remember you.

3) Consider consulting: It can be comforting working for yourself – as long as there you don’t mind the hard work to get there. Be realistic, start saving, and get your name known outside of your company before you make a break for it. Strategy: Reduce the stress by saving cash now.

4) One step back for two steps forward: Sometimes taking a position well below your skill lays the groundwork for gaining experience and showing commitment. Think one or two jobs ahead and let your passion show through. Strategy: Lower pay is OK if it’s a temporary step to your career goal.

5) Expand your expertise: Learning other parts of your company makes or industry makes you paid in both compensation and experience. Get a higher-up mentor in another division of the company for one on one sessions. Strategy: Be sure to get in front of executives from other parts of your organization.

We’d like to hear your hints for staying with your company. What’s worked?

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