Appliance Technology

I agree with Edigann- "NETWORK"! The old "Beatles" song, "I get by with a little help from my friends" is something to take to heart. I've been a research chemist for most of my 30 year (Jeez! has it really been that long?) career and got laid off in 2001. I became a consultant and contract worker. I got projects with leads from friends and colleagues. I made a point of not working with companies who compete against each other to avoid conflict of interest. I built a small research lab and pilot plant in my garage to have more services to offer. I recently introduced myself to the R&D mgr of a nearby chemical company as "your local, friendly, neighborhood "Rent-A-Chemist" to bring in when you get in a crunch and merely say "Bye-bye" to when the project is finished, no hard feelings.I imagine lots of companies go too far when they lay off staff, and find a need for skilled help to get through a crunch, but don't what the obligations associated with hiring permanent staff.Become what the market needs. If the market has no permanebt positions, consider becoming a "Rent-A-Whatever" in your field of expertice.

Jobs may come and go, but your work should remain constant. I have never been a big believer in changing fields. If I can't succeed in something I did for 5, 10, 15, 20, ... years. What makes me think I can be successful at something I know nothing about? I have seen it done but remember you have to start at the bottom and work your way up. This could be financially painful.

By all means network. If you know sales reps who make regular visits to your company, get to know them and socialize with them. They will know whats happening around the area and who is needs people and who doesn't, plus they are a natural reference.

Finding work is predatory. Use every honest and ethical advantage you have to try and find a way to make a living.

Almost every self employed person I know was fired from his position, which made them decide to brave it out there alone. Remember, "luck favors the prepared." Also you may have signed no compete clauses with your employer and no employer likes the idea of self inflicted competition. If HR or anyone else is discussing lay offs with you, make sure they removed the no compete clause from your contract or seek compensation. Make sure they are aware you might call on customers you are in constant contact with.

Its never fun losing you job, but remember it doesn't do you any good to become angry and say or do something in an act of revenge. Try not to burn bridges, and do your best to represent yourself in a professional mature manner. Remember some day they may be hiring and you may need work from them. Also many times lay offs come in waves, the person that laid you off may be changing companies also and its good to know you might have someone in your corner with a new company.