Losing Jobs

[thekid]

I would certainly be cutting spending as much as possible and increasing savings by as much.

I'd also start looking for another job right now. This doesn't mean that you should jump ship for a potentially more insecure position, but you definately should take advantage of the long notice to do what you need to do to secure longer term employment.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Recently I think NPR had a story about a study on Boeing workers in Seattle during and after a big cutback of employees. I think the study found that those who were let go early on actually ended up with less anxiety, more optimism, and better mental health than those who were able to keep their jobs. Later tonight I'll see if I can find a link for you. The situation might not compare to yours at all (or maybe it does), but it might be another angle to think about.

[disneysteve]

Recently I think NPR had a story about a study on Boeing workers in Seattle during and after a big cutback of employees. I think the study found that those who were let go early on actually ended up with less anxiety, more optimism, and better mental health than those who were able to keep their jobs. Later tonight I'll see if I can find a link for you. The situation might not compare to yours at all (or maybe it does), but it might be another angle to think about.

I've read a few stories like that. The employees who remain tend to have a higher workload because they are then doing the work formerly done by more people. They tend to have "survivors' guilt" about why others are gone and not them. They tend to feel depressed and isolated when working in what used to be a bustling office and is now row after row of empty cubicles. And they tend to be anxious, worried that there will be another round of cuts that will snare them.

So anyone who thinks it is just the layoff victims who are affected is wrong.

[am_vanquish]

We've had two rounds of layoffs in the last 6 months. It's kinda ironic because right before the first layoff (back in July, when things were supposed to be improving from late '08 & early '09) I was talking to some co-workers about how great it is that our company made it through the tough-spot in the economy.

Since the layoffs, I've been paranoid that I'm next and I've stressed constantly about proving that I'm too valuable to be let go. I've come in early, stayed late, and even worked weekends. BUT it has put things in perspective for me and the DW. Our emergency fund contributions have seen a drastic acceleration in the last few months

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Sorry I could not find a link on the NPR site.

Here is a link which talks about the study.

Survivor Stress: Layoffs have emotional and practical consequences for those who remain

I wish I could find an NPR download for you because they were discussing how this study might inform us in this more widely dire economic climate. The study was from 2003, but, uh, well this is ...2009.... Does the study still have meaning?

[Saving_spree]

WOW! I would love that much of time

2 yrs is a long time.

You should update resume 1st
Attend all the interviews that come your way,which will put you in a better position
Work on your expenditure
And last but not the least, they may ask you to stay back