Protecting your job in this economic climate is a job in itself, but the effort can pay off. John McKee offers practical strategies for getting through tough times with your career intact.
在经济危机中保住饭碗本身就是一项工作，不过这是有回报的。John McKee提供了可行策略助你保住位置，渡过时艰。

With unemployment rates climbing into the stratosphere and job prospects becoming increasingly tenuous, IT pros need to think strategically and act effectively to keep their heads above water. Here are some recommendations to help you safeguard your career during the months to come.
随着失业率节节攀升至最高点，就业前景变得越来越岌岌可危。IT从业者需进行战略思考，并采取有效行动避免被（失业大潮）淹死。这里有一些建议，能在今后几个月内保住你的职位。

#1: Make a specific plan
#1: 制定专案

I’m not talking about making a wish list which, like New Year’s resolutions, will be forgotten by the third week of January. You want a plan that has specific goals for your job (what’s the best role for you next?) and your income (exactly how much would you like to be making by the end of 2009?). Writing down your plans makes them concrete, and it’s more likely you will attain them.
我可不是在说什么愿望清单，像什么新年愿望，到了1月的第三个星期就要忘光了。对工作（你下一个最佳角色是什么？）和收入（到年底具体想挣多少钱？）的特定的目标，你得有个计划。把它写下来，具体化，这样你才更有可能达成目标。

#2: SWOT yourself
#2: 自我SWOT

Be honest with yourself. Review your strengths — like what you've got that can move you ahead; weaknesses — like those things you have or do that are holding you back;opportunities — things you can pursue at the company or in the industry; andthreats — things that can derail you or sabotage your career advancement.
对自己要诚实。回顾自己的优点 - 诸如某些你已具备的可推动你前进的东西； 弱点 - 诸如某些你身上残留的或做过的会拉你后退的东西；机会 - 可让你继续留在公司或这个行当的东西；以及威胁 - 会干扰你或破坏职业发展的东西。

#3: Update your resume
#3: 更新履历

Smart careerists are always ready for the next opportunity. Taking time to review and modify your resume before you want to send it to someone makes it a better product. This is often your first introduction to a new employer or boss — so make sure it’s topnotch.
聪明的职场人士随时准备好迎接下一个机会。在你想发出去之前，花点时间检查修改自己的简历，让它成为更好的产品。这通常是你给新同事或老板的第一次自我介绍-所以务必确保其优秀。

#4: Invest in your career
#4: 给职业下本钱

Most people forget they really have two jobs. The first is to do what you get paid for and do it better than others. The second is to do what's required to ensure that your career isn't left to someone's wrong opinions that were made in your absence. Be in the office when your boss is. It gives you additional opportunity to let him or her get to know you for things other then the job you’re currently filling.
许多人忘了自己实际上有两项工作。首先是那份你得钱该做且做得比别人好的。另一份要做的是确保你的职业，没有因自己的缺席而让他人错误的观点占据。老板在办公室的时候，你也得在。这给了你额外的机会，使他/她可以了解到你工作以外的东西。

#5: Get financially smart
#5: 聪明理财

Get involved with managing your financial affairs. Paying attention to money matters is one of the smartest and easiest ways to improve your personal balance sheet. There are many books and online courses on the subject of money management basics. Looking after your financial health doesn't take a lot of time; but it could save your life.
要理财。重视金钱问题是改善个人资产负债表的最明智和最容易的方法之一。有很多书及在线教程教你基本理财方法。维持财务健康不需要花费太多的时间，却可以拯救你的生活。

#6: Develop a sense of urgency
#6: 要事优先

Many people think that working hard, being busy, and burning a lot of energy is equal to managing their career and life. It's not. Developing a sense of urgency means knowing how to pick through all those "to-do's" and focusing your time and energy on just the ones that count.
很多人以为努力工作、忙个不停、消耗大量精力，对于经营自己的职业和生活来说是公平的。不是。要事优先意味着知道如何在“要办的事情”中进行选择，集中时间和精力处理最要紧的。

#7: Look up, not down
#7: 向上看，别低头

When downsizing is the operative word, developing your team is no longer the smartest way to ensure success. Spend less time with your staff members and more time looking after your boss' needs. When you show that you’re working hard to make him or her look good, you'll stand out from the crowd. And your boss will be more likely to provide you with the resources that you and your team need to do the job better.
当裁减成为指令性文字的时候，发展你的团队就不再是保证成功的最聪明的方式了。少花点时间在团队成员身上，多注意老板的需求。一旦你展示出自己正努力工作令他/她看起来不错，你就会脱颖而出。然后老板就更有可能给你提供你和你的团队更好完成工作所需的资源。

#8: Update your skill set
#8: 提高技能

It pays to demonstrate that you are interested in "upgrading" yourself — and in 2009, your ability to grow may be more important than ever. With unemployment now at record highs, demand for jobs greatly exceeds supply. Not staying on par with colleagues and those vying for your job will be a death knell. Take seminars, do coursework, or leverage other vehicles to get on the leading edge and thus, maximize your personal value to the organization.
展示出你有兴趣“升级”自己是有回报的-在2009年，你成长的能力也许比以往还要重要。随着失业率创下新高，就业是严重的供大于求。不注意跟同事和那些窥探你工作的人做比较，丧钟将为你而鸣。参与研讨，做做功课，或其他方面的改善以跟上前沿的发展，如此，最大化实现个人对组织的价值。

#9: Self promote
#9: 自我推荐

Face it: Often, decisions are made affecting who gets moved upward and who gets downsized without your involvement. It’s important that the decision makers know you and what you are doing. Have regular meetings with your boss or send regular e-mails to update those in charge about your contributions.
面对现实：通常，作出谁将升迁谁将降级的决定是没有你参与的份的。决策者了解你和你所作所为是非常重要的。定期与老板会面或者定期给那些负责决定你的贡献的人发送邮件。

#10: Look after your loved ones
#10: 关心所爱之人

One way or another, when 2009 is done and over, you’ll still be here and you’re going to want those you care about to still be with you. While it’s important to look after your job and career, don't neglect those who make life most worthwhile. Tell them you care and spend time with them "just for fun."
以这样或那样的方式，待2009结束时，你将还在位置上，并希望那些你在乎的人也还和你在一起。虽然关注自己的工作和职业是重要的，也不要忽视那些令你的生活有意义的人。告诉他/她们，你在乎他/她们，花时间跟他们呆在一起“就为了开心”。