[penguin63]

it hits everyone hard!

I've been laid off a couple times over the past 10 years. It's something that has become commonplace. Unfortunately, the economy is worse now than it was when I was last looking.

Boy, do I feel for my friend! The best thing I can do for her is to keep a keen eye and ear out for any and all potential job leads.

This economy is getting scarier by the moment. I am SO thankful I have a good job!

[Jodith]

I think the most important thing when friend is laid off is to keep in contact. They're probably feeling lost in many ways, not just from the job but from the community around that job. People they're used to seeing and talking to every day are suddenly gone, and most of them feel self-conscious for surviving the lay off that they stay away. It can be very isolating.

So make a point to call the person every once in a while. Take her out for lunch for for a drink. Let her vent if she needs to. She'll feel more positive if she doesn't feel like she's been isolated from everything she's familiar with.

[Stuart Wingate]

Having been laid off several times now over the years, my advice would be to stay in touch -- email and call every so often depending on how good a friends you are. If you hear of something out there, let them know and offer to send other leads. Even if nothing comes of it, it's nice to know someone out there is thinking of you from time to time!

[deana79]

I agree with the other posts, keep in contact, invite her/him out to lunch, and keep and ear our for potential job opportunities for them. Several years ago, a good friend of mine found herself laid off twice within 3 years. The second time she was laid off, she was out of work for over a year. I would call her, take her to lunch, and help her with her job search but sending job posting and helping her with her resume. It's important to help them keep their spirits up because it can be a very upsetting and scary time.

[AussiePA]

Having be 'made redundant' just recently, the best advice I can give is - keep in contact. I love hearing from the people I was working with up to a 3 weeks ago. Having never been through this before, I was shocked at the level of emotion that is stirred up by the process, most of it bad, and you need the support of the friends staying behind at work and your family and friends at home too to get through it all.