Surviving the firing line: As the shakeout in the computer industry intensifies, many EEs are unexpectedly losing their jobs. Be prepared, in case you're caught in the line of fire

There are many ways to be fired, and just as many reasons. An employer may tell you that “it isn't working out,” that “you are being given a chance to resign,” or that “you are being given notice.” On the gentler side, you may be told that the company needs to reduce the workforce and that “you're on the list,” or that “you have been selected as one of those to be released.”