Seven Strategies to Recession-Proof Your Career: Build Your Future Regardless of Health of the Economy

The key is not to panic or make any snap decisions. Unless some major negative (and unforeseen) economic event happens, widespread layoffs are unlikely; in some of the worst economic times, the U.S. has seen single-digit unemployment rates (the highest of 9.7 percent in 1982) -- and only a few points higher than today's 6.5+ percent rate. On the other hand, it is never a mistake to be prepared and proactive about your career -- because no one else will be if you are not.

So, in uncertain times -- and really in any economic situation -- what can you do to stay focused on your career and protect your job? This article provides you with seven strategies to help you be prepared for any situation while proactively building what some experts refer to as your career capital – your value to both your current employer and future prospective employers -- and what we refer to as building your brand