NO ONE CAN FIRE YOU

EIGHT WAYS TO BE UNFIREABLE

In this economy, NO job is 100 percent secure. But there ARE things you can do to reduce your chances of getting fired.

Here are eight ways to make sure you're indispensable at work . . .

1.) SAVE YOUR COMPANY MONEY. If you have an idea for how your company can cut costs, tell someone. Even if they DON'T use your brilliant plan, they'll appreciate that you're worried about the company's bottom line.

2.) BE POSITIVE. Nobody likes negativity, especially in a recession. So instead of complaining about what's going WRONG, focus on what's going RIGHT. Share good news with coworkers, make jokes when they're appropriate, and remember to smile.

3.) WORK LONGER HOURS. Sticking around for an extra half-hour after work can make a difference. It'll help make sure you don't fall behind, and your boss WILL notice . . . sooner or later.

--If you CAN'T stay late, think about coming in early. Just getting there 15 minutes before everyone else will make you stand out.

4.) BE A LEADER. ALL companies need leaders, regardless of a recession. And if you have leadership skills you've been sitting on, now is the time to show them off. Just because you don't have a manager's JOB TITLE doesn't mean you can't act like you do.

5.) DON'T GOSSIP. You probably hear all sorts of gossip at work. But guess what . . . so does your boss. As tempting as it might be, don't get caught up in office gossip. If you get caught, you might make enemies, and you'll DEFINITELY look unprofessional.

6.) WATCH YOUR BACK. Do you really think your boss doesn't notice all those personal calls? Or how much time you spend on Twitter? People pay closer attention than you think. Don't give them a reason to fire you.

7.) DON'T TAKE TIME OFF. If you've got strep throat, or your sister is getting married, that's one thing. But if you're constantly taking "mental health days" or calling in sick because you're hung over, you'll look like you don't care about your job.

--So don't get drunk on work nights. You'll either end up calling in sick the next day, or you'll show up smelling like booze . . . which is even worse.

8.) BE VISIBLE. If you're working late, helping others, and coming up with great ideas, make sure someone knows about it. Try giving your manager regular updates on your progress. An email once a week is enough.

--Don't brag, just make sure your boss knows you're going the extra mile. Remember, if YOU don't toot your own horn, NO ONE will. (WomenCo.com)