Work Situation: How to handle being laid off?

They closed the program I taught in last year. All of the teachers, paras, and office staff were laid off. We vented to each other and plotted the demise of the two incompetent fools (who of course kept their jobs), but honestly we were there for the students so we gave everything we had for them, but not for the admin who got what we had to do for our job and nothing more.

Since we were all laid off, I doubt it was nearly as hard as your situation, but I think you do the best you can because someone that works with you just might be the contact you need to get a new job.

I haven't been in your situation before. But I did want to say that I am so sorry. It's devastating when a layoff happens. I know you must be so worried. I would get the resume ready and start focusing on that. Just do your time, go in every day, and hold your tears until you get home. I know it must be so hard. I hope you find a job soon.

I have no advice, but wish you the best finding another job. 

No tips here.  Just well wishes and positive vibes being sent your way.

I lost my job last Friday due to the company closing. I have worked there 12 years. This was all due to a war going on between partners in a buyout. I learned years ago that you are probably not going to retire from the company you think you will retire from. I was prepared for this to happen, but some I worked with were not. I feel so bad for them. Don't burn a bridge, handle the situation with finesse and impress others with how well you do your job. I'm so sorry you are going thru this. I wish you the best.

Kate --- actually there is a federal law called WARN that requires employers of a certain size laying off more than a certain % of employees to warn them at least a certain [HASH] of days in advance. I don't know all the specifics because my employer is smaller than that.

I'm so sorry! The only time I was laid off, they basically escorted us out the door immediately. It was not a total shock, as we were aware of the company problems.

Hang tough and I hope you find a great job soon.

I was in a similar spot a few years ago. I was one of the lucky ones - I was released in the first wave. Many others had to work 2 weeks - 6 months before they were released. If they had walked away they would have lost their severance.

All you can do is keep your head up, keep showing up and use every possible minute to look for something else. It sucks to have to show up, essentially the dead man walking, but it gives you time to make a plan.

Keep your head up, be professional, be dignified and hopefully this will lead to something better.

I'm sorry you're dealing with this. Are you actively looking for a new job? My company lays off people every damn month (well below the % requried for WARN, we don't want to make the papers). We have been since November of 2009. It's exhausting. I'm waiting for my number to be called. However, I think (I hope) when my time is up, I'll be offered a retention bonus to stay until the transition is complete. I don't know that I will stay but I'd use the time to begin interviewing for other positions. It sucks. I agree with the advice to keep your head up and be professional. One of my best friends was laid off two weeks before Christmas last year. Totally out of the blue, no warning, basically told to pack her office. She was stunned for about a week and now will tell you it was the push she needed, it was the best thing that ever happened to her. She is actually the 3rd friend that this has happened too but the third friend that says it was the best thing to happen. You never know. Best of luck.

I am so sorry you're going through this.  I just do not understand employers who think this is a good thing?  I worked in an office where we were told the physical office was being closed in December but the closure wasn't occurring until the end of April.  *5* months of having to come into work every day.  

{{{{ hugs }}}}