Things will get better. Things WILL get better. You can keep wishing, clicking your heels, rubbing a rabbits tail. Whatever keeps the spirits at bay, keep doing that. The people who survive the next year, 2 years, 5 years… are the ones who have future-proofed their lives.

I’m going to focus mainly on tech, but these principles apply elsewhere too. In tech I can make a differentiation between hard skills and soft skills.

Drop yourself into a bucket. If you’re on the “hard skills” side and you have a decent resume, congratulations! You might have to work for less money, but you should be able to find work.

But wait, you say “I have soft skills. I’m the Chief Inspiration Officer. I inspire people!” You might be ok too. BUT, only if you did a lot of work in the years leading up to right now.

Here’s where you should be:

1. You’re a known voice in the conversation on your areas of interest. Think Guy Kawasaki, Merlin Mann or Fred Wilson. If you’re a known voice, people seek you out and will likely offer you a job, even in a down market (if you need one). Achieving this status is the highest form of social capital. I’m not in that position yet – but having my words online helps me with potential employers. All other things being equal someone with a industry related blog is better than someone without.

2. When you walk into an industry event, everyone knows you. Networking is a 24/7 activity. Take a look at your linked-in profile. Are 90% of the people there from your current employer? *gulp* That’s not good. Those people can’t help you if you get let go. If you started networking only after you lost your job, it’s going to be a long uphill battle. People are wary of what you want from them. Meet people when you’re in a position to help them and it’s much easier to ask for their help or advice in the future.

3. Family is a last resort fall back. I’m extremely lucky that my Dad needs help at his business. If I get let go and can’t find a job, he could always use my help. My parents would also feed me, and make sure I don’t become homeless. If you don’t have family to fall back on, then work extra hard networking while you still have a job. You don’t have the last safety net.

Times are going to be tough but the strong will survive.

Will you?