With more layoffs in the works, here is a timely article about what you should do in the event of a not so pleasant layoff. It is projected that the rising unemployment rate, currently at 10.2% percent, is likely to level off next year. Until then, there is still the potential for more layoffs.  We hope that the pointers from the article will help you to negotiate a graceful exit and help you to land your next job.

The most important thing is to keep a level head and negotiate your exit to your advantage. The article includes -- asking for reference letters, outplacement service, extra insurance coverage, moving costs, and asking for your job back in the future, when the economy rebounds.

So good luck -- it's wild out there but it is not over till its over! Stay positive!

Laid Off? 7 Rules for a Graceful Exit

by Amy Levin-Epstein | Dec 3, 2009

In the hours and days after you’ve been laid off, your emotional state tends to range from uncomfortable to devastated — but the way you handle yourself can either help you rebound or drive your career deeper into the ground. With economists predicting that the 10.2 percent unemployment rate will continue to climb before it plateaus early next year, it seems even more workers will soon be hearing words like “downsizing,” “staff reductions,” and “cutbacks.”

Regardless of the economic underpinnings, however, a layoff always feels personal. “We like to deny that we are expendable. So when we are told ‘we have to let you go,’ it feels like an assault,” says Katherine Crowley, a New York City-based psychotherapist and co-author of the book Working for You Isn’t Working for Me. She adds that when an employee experiences this slap in the face, he or she should avoid the natural inclination to slap back — either verbally or, it should go without saying, physically. “You never know who you will meet or need a reference from again. Exiting gracefully is one of the most important skills for someone who plans on building their career,” says Crowley.

Here’s how to handle your exit with aplomb.

Read more: 
http://moneywatch.bnet.com/career-advice/article/laid-off-7-rules-for-a-graceful-exit/369443/

Dealing With a Layoff

Getting laid off is always tough. These days, layoffs are a sad reality for many people. But you can get through it. We’ve put together a list of suggestions to help you deal with a layoff.

If you haven’t been laid off yet, but fear it might be coming:

• Make yourself as valuable as you possibly can, whether it’s for your current employer or your next one. Learn as much as you can about your job field and take advantage of any free training available to you at your current job.
• Prepare a budget. Now is a good time to make sure that you are using your money wisely and saving as much as you can.
• Network. Now is also a good time to brush up on your networking skills. Keep in contact with those most likely to help you should you lose your job.
• Brush up on your job hunting skills. Update your resume, take a look at job search websites, visit local job fairs etc. Be prepared to jump right into a hunt for a new job. 

If you have already been laid off: 

Read more:  http://www.thebeehive.org/jobs/job-articles/dealing-layoff

AOL To Take $200 Million In Restructuring Charges; Expect Large Layoffs

Date: November 12, 2009, 9:52 AM ET 

By: Eric Savitz

Source: http://blogs.barrons.com

There are almost certainly large layoffs coming at AOL.

In a document filed with the SEC today in connection with the company’s pending spinoff from Time Warner (TWX), AOL said it expects to take $200 million to cover “additional restructuring activities,” with all of the hit coming from from the date of the spin through the first half of 2010.

Read more: http://blogs.barrons.com/techtraderdaily/2009/11/12/aol-to-take-200-million-in-restructuring-charges-expect-large-layoffs/