Is the next pink slip for you?

Bibliography and Amazon.com

Fired, Down-Sized, or Laid-Off: What Your Employer Doesn't Want You to Know About How to Fight Back by Alan L. Sklover

Getting Fired: What to Do If You're Fired, Downsized, Laid Off, Restructured, Discharged, Terminated, or Forced to Resign by Steven Mitchell Sack

Job Rights & Survival Strategies: A Handbook for Terminated Employees Monique Rothschild (Editor)

How are business competitors faring? Layoffs at rival companies can paint a grim picture - it could be your turn next. If there have already been cuts at your workplace, how long will your job survive? Curran advises you to be prepared. Keep your resume updated, and research where your skills might make a smart move.

"Now is a good time to make sure you know the specifics of your company's benefits plan," says Curran. "If you have an annuity or participate in a retirement savings plan such as a 401(k) or 403(b), be sure you're familiar with any separation from service terms contained in the plan. If you're eligible for a lump sum payment of your accumulated retirement benefits and you're under age 59-1/2, know the proper procedure for rolling over or transferring the funds to avoid paying a penalty and continue the tax-deferred status of your investment," adds Curran.

Loss of job means loss of income - and few of us can afford to ignore that fact. Curran advises taking stock of your assets, including employer-sponsored entitlements, so you know where you stand financially. Monitor your spending behavior carefully and make sure you have a large enough cash reserve to cover living expenses, such as food, rent/mortgage, utilities and insurance, for up to six months - the time it may take you to find a new job.