Tips for keeping your job

I just saw this article from the Wall Street Journal about how to figure out if you might be on the layoff list. Definitely I saw some of these five signs (cutbacks, work slows down) at my previous company, but truly didn't think I'd find myself packing up my family photos and personalized notepads.

Then I read the list of "Tips for keeping your job:"
- Make yourself irreplaceable.
- Be very clear about what your responsibilities are, and make sure you are meeting them.
- Pick up additional responsibilities.
- Make sure your supervisors and colleagues are aware of your capabilities.
- Continue to build your skills.
- Look for opportunities at your company and elsewhere.
- Don't seem paranoid or anxious.
- Keep working at your current output.

Hmmm, check, check, check, check, check, check, check and check.

I guess sometimes you just don't have any control of a situation.