How many times in the past, have we heard our colleagues or friends talking proudly about their job being a "safe" one or their career being "safe"? Much of the rationale behind these beliefs relates to the length of time they have worked for their employer, the demand for their particular skills or services and for those of the firm they work for.
The reality is that within the context of today's economic recession the concept of "job security" holds little meaning for many workers in the employment sector.
The specter of unemployment, now haunts the lives of an increasing number of the (as yet) working population.
Many economic reports predict that the economy will continue to shrink and that unemployment will top 3 million by 2010, while others expect it to increase further next year.
Unemployment is no longer the curse of the "Blue Collar" worker, indeed, it is difficult to imagine an occupational group or sector that is not affected to a greater or lesser extent.
Let us consider for example, the Financial Sector.
Within this we can include; banking and building society employees, financial advisers, estate agents, accountants etc.
How many workers in this category will be feeling comfortable and stable in their jobs? What about those working in the Retail Sector? The vulnerability felt by employees within other areas, will inevitably be felt in the shops, as anxious or hard pressed buyers "pull in their horns" and reduce their spending.
The Manufacturing Sector has been hit significantly again too.
Within car and van manufacturing many are closing or contracting their production lines as order books get thinner and workers are placed on "reduced time" or are laid off altogether.
The truth is that there are few workers in any industry or occupation, who are not experiencing a very real sense of insecurity in these challenging times.
Of course, there are some, whom due to the nature of the work they are in, enjoy a greater degree of security.
Teaching, Police, Ambulance Services, the Medical Profession to name a few.
However, increasing rationalization, performance scrutiny issues, mergers and closures are taking their toll in these areas too.
In short, the icy winds of the economic downturn are freezing any cosy misconceptions about "job security" that might have been enjoyed in what now seems to be the distant past.
However, we can do much to protect and insulate ourselves from the economic instability outlined above.
For example, we can "diversify" our income opportunities and potential in order that we are not reliant on just one source for our economic well being.
One way is to have more than one job, so that if one is taken away from us, we can fall back on another, thus reducing the financial impact on us.
Some individuals will have an "evening job" and a day one to bolster and protect the family's income.
I would recommend though, that we look to the Internet as a powerful means of creating financial security for ourselves through "online income streams" Earning money through the internet can be achieved quite simply through the sale of goods or items for a profit.
The online Auction site known as "eBay" for example, offers an easily operated system enabling purchasers to "bid" for goods advertised by sellers of almost any type or description.
It is an excellent way of getting rid of things you do not want and pocketing some money in the process! More ambitious individuals will sell collections of rare books for example,creating larger profits for themselves.
Indeed a member of my own family makes a very impressive "second income" each month by acquiring collectors edition records and selling them across the globe on eBay! However, for the more determined entrepreneurs, seeking a way of protecting their livelihood through the internet I would encourage you to set up your own online business.
Now this may be easier said then done if you have little technical know how insofar as the internet is concerned, not to mention the significant financial undertaking that this may entail.
So how to you go about creating a business with structure, systems and branding that will generate serious income potential? One of the most successful, exciting and dynamic solutions for the serious minded opportunity seeker,is the arrival of the so called "Business In A Box" branded as "YourNetBiz.
Com".
The founders of this company claim to have created a unique online business opportunity which anyone can build, regardless of online expertise or marketing background.
For a one off initial payment and modest monthly hosting fee, business owners have access to a wealth of support and guidance ranging from video tutorials, media vaults and complete "turnkey" marketing systems to pre-built replicated web sites.
A huge range of in demand digital products are made available for sale and each owner has their own Merchant Account enabling easy receipt and payment for goods and services.
Some commentators maintain this "Business In A Box offers substantial income potential and can be run and managed either on a full time basis or can easily work alongside existing job commitments and lifestyle.
They claim that by setting up "automated systems" and "leveraging" the power of the internet then this business can be largely run 24/7 on a semi automated basis, enabling owners to make money when they are not actually at their keyboard.
Indeed there is certainly evidence to indicate that some owners are developing significant "full time incomes" by operating their business 2/3 hours per day.
Time will show how many achieve success with this opportunity and develop income and time freedom as YourNetBiz.
com and its forerunner MyInternetBusiness.
com are only approximately 2 years old and not yet established enough for initial results to be truly measurable.
However, I believe, that this particular type of online business, might well be the answer for those individuals who are not prepared to live with the uncertainty and anxiety currently threatening their employment and ultimately their lifestyle.
The internet is a massively powerful medium and if we are able to harness its powers to create online wealth and multiple income streams, then, the opportunity is certainly in our hands to diffuse the "career time bomb" which is ticking for so many, in this miserable economic climate.