These days, hanging onto a good job can be a dicey proposition.  Layoffs are ongoing, unemployment is on the rise, and despite assurances by the government that things are turning around, the job market does not seem to be improving.  Because of this, many people are willing to do more to hold onto their jobs, including taking up the slack for positions that have been eliminated (less employees doesn’t always mean less work) and working longer hours without commensurate compensation.  But you don’t necessarily need to give up your life in order to keep your job.  By simply being a good employee, you can secure your place at the company you work for.  Here are just a few ways to make yourself indispensable.

Part of me is feeing insecure about not having a job, and I feel like there were many things that could have happened differently, and I would still be there. But I have to find another job, and I'm sure that I'll find something soon. 

By Allison Maslan

• Would you ask your boss for a raise?
• Would you venture out on a new career or start a new business?