At my previous job, there were often restructuring events.  Groups of people were let go at once.

I survived a bunch of these.  But I never took my survival for granted.

After the first round, I created a file.  It was a checklist for things that I needed to do in case I was let go.

Things like delete personal files. Or copy performance reviews.

I used my laptop to do a lot of my writing, so it was important to get my data off work devices.

I figured it was better to have a checklist than to rely on my memory.

It’s hard to be logical and methodical if you get the rug pulled out from under you.

It’s always good to have a checklist.

When I finally got out sourced, there was months to prepare.  But I followed that document.

And at my current job, I created a similar list and made an Outlook calendar entry for it.

I started as a contract employee and didn’t know how long I’d be here.

When I became permanent, I put the calendar entry out a year.

I still wasn’t sure how long I’d be here.

It’s been eight years now.

I’m still here.

But old habits die hard.

I still have a calendar entry called “Last Day tasks”. 

I move the date to the end of the year. 

Every year.

Because you never know…