In my past corporate life... ...my major clue was whether or not I was asked to train someone else how to do my job, with no right of refusal.

I'm sure tomorrow the training will commence. Just who will be the trainer/trainee? Like a sick game of musical chairs.

I think it depends on the company, industry, current market, etc. Unfortunately, I don't think there's a black and white answer. Any good company will offer fair severence packages along with a "resume/interviewing" class. It can also be dependent upon each individual department and how they contribute to the company's profit. I'm sorry, I'm sure that doesn't help much. It's natural to worry, it's an extremely stressful situation to have to endure. It is good to think about the "what ifs" should you be offered another position within the company. If it's any consolation, I've been laid off twice and both times, it ended up being the best thing for my career in the long run. Good luck tomorrow, you'll be in my thoughts.

hey thanks! If worse comes to worse I have another position in line and another iron in the fire. Just not necessarily what I want to do.

That's great that you have another position lined up, that is half the battle, should worse case scenario you need to look. Awesome! I hope that the situation that is most advantageous for you and your future prevails! Best of luck.

Thanks! And that is exactly what I did. I spoke to a director in another department where I worked before. She was about to hire in another week or two. She's holding the position for me if things go badly. It is the same job I used to do. Back to the front lines but I'll take whats paying. My company is a not for profit, so I doubt severance packages would be offered. Certainly not hiring an outside consultant. But our HR gal does a very good job of faking empathy. When going to college, I worked security for Digital. I saw many a lay-offs where they you in to an office while someone packs your shit. Security accompanied walk to the front door.

not for profit is not as poor as charities charities I've worked for can be just as cutthroat as corporations. I work for a non-profit as well, and here restructuring has hit the executives with six figure salaries, not the people in the open offices doing the day-to-day grind. Here, restructuring has come utterly unexpectedly. In one case, I came in and my boss & mentor at the time had been let go that morning. I was shocked into tears. A few assholes have been let go in this manner, and I've been hoping for the last year that my current boss would feel the axe fall, which is no less than she deserves karmiy, since she was responsible for getting my first boss/mentor "restructured". Anyway, in all cases, those let go were given quite a cushy severance, and in one case there was even legal action for wrongful dismissal, and a settlement. If you get really shafted, it might be good to check with a lawyer to learn exactly what they're allowed to do, and what you are entitled to. Also, check your contract.

Best wishes Boston!!! I hope you come through tomorrow or that if you don't it's an opportunity, not a tragedy- so many friends of mine have been laid off recently- and one just got a way better job than she had previously- but it sucks! It's hard, changes like that!! I hope you don't have to go through all that!!! Bestest wishes for you, Sincerely, Sarah

Bean no input, just know you will be in my thoughts tomorrow. I will be sending good chi.

thanks BR I appreciate your chi. I'll borrow some of your bravery tomorrow, too.

Our small clinic was bought by a larger clinic chain. First they checked everyone's criminal background... no joke, and terminated people who were, say, in billing and had felony identity theft backgrounds... They mostly kept the loyal, hardworking people who knew how to do their jobs. Some folks were transitioned into different locations (same job) or different locations and jobs. We were bought due to bankruptcy, so all salaries stayed the same or increased. Management was all fired. Worker bees were kept. The transition was very rocky, so the people who held the place together were appreciated and rewarded. All of which has no bearing on what's going to happen to you. Do your calming things (Books, movies, bath, meditation) whatever they are. Get some sleep and see what the morning will bring when the morning comes. Internet pals have no way of knowing if you'll keep your job. But good luck.

That's really unusual Typiy, worker bees get canned, and management gets bonuses for each head they chop. Thus the strategy becomes glomming onto whoever has the power to staff the chopping block and pushing others onto it first. But I suppose it's different for medical. And non-profits too, for that matter. Certainly, whoever's left in a clinic or hospital better be an actual practitioner!

Maybe not typical since it was both a medical and a non-profit. Also, there had been a loooong month without paychecks, and very sketchy paychecks the two months previous. So by the time we were acquired, many people had quit and it was down to the bare bones of the organization.