In today's economy, job loss will likely affect each of us at some point in our careers. Layoffs used to happen only when times were tough, but even a bustling economy is no protection when positions are eliminated, plants are closed, and jobs are shipped overseas in search of even higher profit margins. A toolkit for survival and coping with unemployment, this book explains how to minimize your chances of being laid off, how to negotiate the best outcome during the severance process, and how to re-enter the job market from a position of strength. This book is as important for employers, human resource managers, and outplacement specialists as it is for employees. Just as employees need to be aware of their rights and options, employers need to understand the ramification of their actions. This book provides an understanding of the hiring and firing process from both perspectives.