5. Always have a backup plan

During this past year, this rule has become more and more important.  The combination of an economic crisis and personal things that have arisen - a backup plan should have been a must.  In a capitalist world, it seems that  the only way to be stable without a backup plan is to have an endless supply of money.  Otherwise, everything you have worked so hard to achieve can be taken away in an instant.  When it comes to your career, job security is almost inexistent these days.  The only security that exists is in the savings you have to live off when you get laid off.  Let's not kid ourselves; only the wealthy can save while the rest are getting by day by day.  That being said, what is your backup plan?  You should always have one, because nothing stays to your liking forever.  The plan needs to be detailed and takes likely outcomes into account.  For example, if you're currently employed, then you should have a backup plan in case you get laid off.  The plan should take into account the likely outcome that you won't find work for months or that your spouse will lose their job at the same time!

Are you applying to the job of your dreams because you are the most qualified person for it?  What if you don't get it? What if it becomes a temporary position?  Then what... you should have thought about this before.