Problem: Article: It sounds simple, but in a depression jobs are hard to come by, and you don’t want to give your employer a reason to let you go. Work overtime or volunteer for additional projects to prove your value to your employer. Even if your workplace is  a tough environment or you are underpaid, it is much better to have a job than to be searching for one in tight economic times. This can be especially important if you are considering retirement. In a depression your investments will probably take a hit. That money you’ve been saving may not be quite as much as you were anticipating, so you may want to think about putting off your retirement until times are better. Find ways to earn extra income from part-time work. By its nature, part-time work doesn’t pay nearly as much, and rarely comes with other benefits. With that in mind, the more jobs you take, the more income you’ll be able to keep coming in.  Your second job doesn’t need to be something serious. Find work that you enjoy doing, or a hobby that people may be interested in paying money for, like writing. Not only will you be able to make a little extra cash, but you might enjoy the extra work as well. Even if you maintain your full-time job, the extra work can make a nice addition to your discretionary income, maybe meaning a personal treat like eating a meal out. Most discretionary spending is a small fraction of your usual income, so a little extra money can go a long way. If you do lose your job, make sure to file for unemployment benefits as soon as possible. You will need to explain why you were laid off, and demonstrate that it was not for anything you did. While you are receiving unemployment, you will also need to demonstrate that you are looking for a full-time job.  Every state has different rules for eligibility in applying for benefits. For example, in  California, you must be totally or partially unemployed, and be able and available to start working immediately. Each week you claim benefits you must certify that you are actively looking for work.  When filing for unemployment, it will need to be in the state in which you were working. which can be important if you live in a different state. If the economy takes a turn, and you lose your job, consider going back to college. An advanced degree in a field you already have experience in can be a good way to make yourself more attractive to prospective employers. This is always helpful in a tight job market. You may also consider earning an advanced degree or going through technical training in another field, and using a graduate stipend as income.   Taking classes a community college can be a great option, even if you already have a bachelor’s degree. You can find a number of courses in technical or practical skills, allowing you to expand your skill set and potential work a variety of jobs. Any additional education or broadened job skills can make one more employable and more valuable to an employer. While a depression will cause many companies to lay off employees, and prevent opportunities for work, certain fields will probably remain strong, or even become more necessary. If you have, or can develop, skills in these fields, you might have better luck getting employment, either as extra part-time work, or to replace a job that you lost.   Accounting. As money tightens, many businesses will want to be more careful about how they spend. People who can help balance the books will be more valuable as businesses try to keep a careful account of their money. Repairs. Because people will have less money to spend on purchasing new things, they are more likely to look for ways to fix stuff they have instead of replacing it. The ability to perform repairs on your home or car can help save you money, and make you valuable to companies that want to fix their equipment. Law enforcement. Crime tends to rise during tough economic times, meaning police and law offices will need find more employees to help deal with the increased work.  Clergy. Economic depression can cause emotional depression, and many people will be looking for some kind of spiritual support or guidance in tough times. This is a great field if you enjoy working with people in trying circumstances, and helping them through these trying times. However, only follow this path if you truly believe in the spiritual practice and desire to help others find or deepen their faith. Government. Even if the economy slows down, the government will still keep on going. Working for governments, especially at the federal level, remains fairly secure, even in a depression. Fields like homeland security, accounting, information technology, and tax collection are necessary to keep government moving.
Summary: Keep your job. Work multiple jobs. File for unemployment benefits. Get an advanced degree. Look for jobs that will thrive in a depression.

Problem: Article: Warnings that are issued to an employee are generally issued following a certain progression or escalation.  By sticking to the progression you can help the employee understand exactly what level of discipline they are currently receiving and just how serious the issue is.  Review the following progression of employee warnings to learn if it is time for a written warning:  Verbal warning Written warning Final written warning Termination of the employee. Before you issue the written warning to an employee you will want to consult your organization's disciplinary code.  Make sure that the code agrees with your decision to issue a written warning.  Match the severity of the issue to the disciplinary code that your organization uses before you submit your written warning.  Some issues may not be very serious or are a first time occurrence with that employee.  These may require a simple verbal warning. Other issues may be quite serious and could warrant a written warning, bypassing the verbal warning.  These might include theft or threats of violence. Before you create a written warning you will need to collect all the relevant information regarding the employee and the issue at hand.  Collecting this information will allow you to judge if the written warning is appropriate as well as allow you to write a detailed and effective warning.  Learn the dates and times of any employee infractions. Detail any conversations or previous verbal warnings about this issue. Collect old documents which the employee signed, documenting their acceptance to company terms and illustrating their violation of them. Before you complete and issue your written warning you will want to speak privately with the employee in question.  This meeting will allow you to further understand the situation and accurately judge if the next step is to issue a written warning to the employee.  The conversation may reveal that the issue was a misunderstanding and no further action is needed. You may be able to collect more information about the incident, allowing you to better issue your written warning should it be necessary. In larger organizations it may be unclear as to who should be the one to deliver the written warning, especially if the employee has more than one supervisor or manager.  Make sure that it is company policy that you are the one required to write or deliver the warning to the employee.  Generally, the direct supervisor will issue the letter. In some cases, the decision to issue the written warning may be decided by a group meeting.
Summary:
Follow the usual progression of warnings. Follow the organization's code. Gather information about the issue. Talk with the employee. Determine if it is your duty to issue or write the warning.