As discussed in Chapter 22, mergers, takeovers, and highly volatile market conditions may render your position (or even your employer) obsolete. Without a Plan B you can, through no fault of your own, be unemployed.

Having a Plan B will help keep you informed about what is going on in the marketplace and thus contribute to your professional growth where you are now employed. For example, in forming a Plan B, you may discover that you need to return to school to upgrade your competencies. The new skills will help your present firm.

A Plan B can help keep you motivated. Knowing you are capable of building a career elsewhere can make you feel better where you are currently employed. You will feel more secure. You will be more inclined to speak up and contribute more without fear. If you are doing an excellent job and your superior discovers you have a Plan B, she or he may appreciate you more.

Stabilizers can benefit from a Plan B without ever exercising it.