On being laid off

Some people still feel shame when they're laid off, as if they did something "bad" or "sinful." Especially if a few others still remain on the job at their old company. So, in addition to the real pain of not having a job to go to, and getting paid regularly so you can pay your bills and support your family, it is all too easy to slip into feeling bad, feeling depressed, feeling isolated. This often colors the job seekers' attitude when looking for a new job.

In the first place, in these terrible economic times, layoffs seem to be the "norm", not the "exception." This means you don't have to explain that you were laid off, why you were laid off, and why others are still working at your prior company. All you have to say is, "I was laid off by XYZ & Company." You don't have to explain a damned thing beyond that, unless asked in a job interview.