Did you get the "you're laid off" speech already? People see it when you're told, that's usually the best time to tell other. "Yes, I was one of the cut ones" (Been there). Then conversation moves easy into the "so, where would you like to work/any plans" kind of area, and nobody has to dwell on the laid off part.

Ummmm.... you need work right away? Send me a resume. I know businesses that hire people like what you described on MeFi. I make no guarantees but I have been laid off four times and I know all about networking. It's time I pay back some of that karma if I can.

I would show up drunk and tell them all to go to hell.

NB: Never take my advice about anything ever.

Ooh, sorry to hear this. I always admired you, working on space projects. I'm sure you will find something cool to do next.

Yeah, I kinda missed my chance the week it actually happened - they just called me into the manager's office and handed me a letter and I went back to my cube. If someone went around asking who got letters (someone had to have been, everyone knew the cuts were coming that week), I wasn't around for it.

I don't necessarily need work right the minute I leave (single, healthy parents so far, no pets), but it would be nice to have something lined up. Doohickie, email sent.

Thanks, all. It really means a lot to have somewhere that isn't SRS SPACE IS SRS where I can ask all this stuff.

So I guess - how do I tell people I'm being laid off?

Just come out and say it without shame. You're not alone. Tell someone (or a group) you're friendly with and that's that.

It's never easy to be cut but I have a feeling you are going to be A-OK. With your background you are bound to get something interesting and you are single and free and smart!

Oh, that stinks, casarkos! But I agree that you can say it plainly, and no reasonable person will think the things you're worried about. Goodness knows you're not alone --- everyone knows too many people who've been laid off at one time or another.

And I second LoriFLA's encouragement: you'll find something great to do after this, too --- and the sooner your support/social network knows you're looking, the sooner you can find it! Best of luck to you.

That really sucks. I'm very sorry.

Nthing the "there's no shame". Lots of cuts are being made and you are just one of them, I know this feels like a personal blow, but people around you see it for what it is. Bad luck / last one in first one out / working in the dept. with the most cuts-thing. Doesn't mean you're seen as a bad apple in any way shape or form. Remember that, and good luck in finding something that suits you better than this job did!

So I guess - how do I tell people I'm being laid off?

I've been laid off four times. The very first time, I had to relocate my family. At the time I really didn't want to "bother anyone" by telling them I was getting laid off. But when a friend found out we were relocating to get a job, he said he had just hired someone and would have hired me instead, if he had only known.

The moral of the story is don't feel like telling people you got laid off is an admission of anything you did wrong; people who've been around know that layoffs come and there ain't a damn thing you can do about it. Tell everyone you know, ask for help, don't feel like you have to hide it.

Things are tight right now, but there are opportunities out there. I've been laid off 4 times (over a 5-year span in the 90s). The first came during a recession, not as bad as the current climate, but I found that even when things looked tight, there were opportunities to those who don't give up.