Were you blindsided?

Being blindsided is just that, you never saw it coming. Over the past few years it has seemed to me that more folks are being blindsided. They receive a good annual review, get a salary increase then bingo they are let go. Many times they are called in and notified that the company is making changes and their position has been eliminated.
Sometimes upon questioning they realize that someone else will be performing their old duties with a few changes and a new title. (Titles is another topic to be discussed later) Sometimes people are allowed to apply for the new position and can be successful but not too often. There are many reasons for this.

The question becomes "what to do?" What can you do? Sometimes you can do nothing yet doing nothing has a foreseen outcome. Continuing education is helpful. That doesn't always include classroom or a degree, although it can. Reading, attending seminars, hearing specialized speakers, some TV programs and networking are all great ways to stay current.

Pay attention to what is happening at your company, read current articles about your field and product. Be on the look out for better ways to do it. Don't just sit back and wait for change to happen, be on the leading edge to improve.