Be a Winner in the Job Survival Game
To keep the job you worked so hard for, consider these association survival techniques.
- Make contact with the association. Become a member. Find out what the
benefits are.
- Know your contract. Many of your job duties and responsibilities are
spelled out there.
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Check out your probationary rights. In this trial period, your rights may
be different or non-existent. Find out how long you are on probation.
- Know what your benefits are. Sit down with an association rep who can
explain what you're entitled to.
- Follow your supervisor's directions. You may not like the order but you
have an obligation to follow it. Grieve later.
- Check your personnel file. Take time to look at your file at least once
a year. Make a list of the contents, sign and date the list, and keep it
with your important papers.
- Don't sign anything until you have checked with the association. Don't
be pressured or persuaded to sign anything until you fully understand the
document.
- Take someone with you. If you think a meeting could lead to discipline
or you are discussing a serious issue with your supervisor(s), request
to have an association rep with you.
- Don't let problems get out of control. Don't wait too long to bring up
a problem or issue with your association rep. If you are going to file
a grievance, you have strict timelines to follow.
- Ignorance is no excuse. Claiming "I didn't know!" usually won't
get you out of trouble.
- Be on time and do your job to the best of your ability. If there are
problems accomplishing this, see your association rep.