by Erin Burt
Lay-offs are happening to everyone. Last week alone, several big employers slashed thousands of jobs from their payrolls, including IBM, HomeDepot, Caterpillar, Sprint and Texas Instruments. And that's on thetail of months of other cuts at such stalwarts as Citigroup, Pfizer andGeneral Electric.
If your employment has been affected -- or you fear it will be -- we can help. Our Job-Loss Survival Guide offers tips to manage the financial impact of a lay-off, find a new job, and even launch a new career.
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THE FINANCIAL IMPACT
A job loss can upend your finances. Here's what you need to know about crafting a plan for immediate survival.
How to prepare for the worst and make a quick recovery.
Keeping Health Coverage After a Job Loss
A federal program lets you stay on your employer's insurance plan, but you might be able to find a better deal on your own.
What Happens If Your Employer Goes Broke?
You might still get health and retirement benefits depending on the type of bankruptcy protection for which it files.
How to protect your job -- or find a new one -- in a scary economy.
FINDING A NEW JOB
Time to pound the pavement? Update your résumé and craft a strategy to land your next position.
It may be time to give your résumé a major makeover -- you'll want to be prepared in case you're suddenly laid off.
Your guide to deducting some of the costs of finding new employment.
Ready to move on? Follow these 12 dos and don'ts for job searching discreetly when you're employed.
QUIZ: How Sharp Are Your Job-Hunting Skills?
Do you know how to boost your odds of getting the position you want forthe pay you want? Test your knowledge of job searching, interviewingand salary negotiating.
CHANGING CAREERS
Here's a way to make lemonade out of lemons: Use your layoff as anopportunity to switch careers. You can pursue your dream job or simplypursue a career less prone to economic forces.
These six fields offer job stability in any economy. Plus, learn how to recession-proof your career, whatever your industry.
When the going gets tough, these careers get going.
Take our online self-assessment to see if you're ready for a careerchange, then get financial advice and tips for a smooth transition.
To succeed, rely on your experience and long-established contacts.
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