Well, having survived several buyouts in my current position, I will first be thankful for being fortunate.

I will second state that even though an employer quotes a number of layoffs, the actual number of workers put on the unemployment rolls is generally much lower, except for specialized or non-competitive jobs. There will be some reorganization, which will open some positions. In most cases natural growth also leads to the opening of positions. Workers whose jobs are being eliminated will switch to these newly available positions. Other workers will find other employment prior to actually being laid off, delaying the layoff date for those who remain to later phases. Others will choose to retire (or otherwise leave the workforce) when their job ends, though they may have stayed in the workforce otherwise.

Natural attrition and new opportunities will absorb at least a strong minority of the shed jobs, and in many cases, a majority.

Don't assume every time you hear about layoffs that all those people suddenly or even as a result become unemployed.


Brad "Diva": 2004 Mazda 6s 5-door, Volcanic Red Rex: 1988 Mazda RX-7 Vert, Harbor Blue.