first, it is NOT what you know. It is who you know. Connections will help, but may not save you. People need to know how important you are to the firm. Even then, network.

Most of the time the changes have to do with restructuring the company, cutting salaries and eliminating some employees only to burden others with more work and less pay. Often the salaries of executives will increase or stay the same. The problem that the company faces is how to replace seasoned employees down the road. Not an easy task. I would plan to look for another job in the interim. This way when the ax falls you are positioned to move forward. You will likely be given no warning as to when a company is about to shed employees. look for unrest at the top, new executives who have come on board or if your company was recently purchased. I speak from experience. Be proactive and independent.

Erika, Now days it is more about who "likes" you and if you give the right answers (Yes) to the powers that be. My immediate manager was told he Had to fire me - I unfortunately got on the bad side of the Regional Manager above him because I disagreed with the negative changes he was making to how we worked with our customers. Oh, well, now I will move on to something better! : )

I worked for 36 years and my job was eliminated . I was production scheduler. As key individual. I worked hard everyday. I was thrown away like trash. No severence pay. My name is Monnie McMichael and I worked for Jamak Fabrications in Weathetford, TX. 4 people do my job now without any extra money.

Hi Erika, It depends on the state you work in. Some states (like mine LA & TN) are not 'right to work' states. You can be fired for any reason. The only recourse you may have is if you can prove discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment, etc. Bridgette is correct, polish up your resume and send it out. You don't want to be caught off guard, like I was! I was let go September 9 (they called it a '90 day release' even though the 90 days weren't up!), and I'm STILL looking for work!

Unfortunately, competence is not the main factor. It is the rapport you have with your superiors and not questioning there decisions even though it may be incorrect. No boss wants to be told by a subordinate they are wrong. So I would say to you to start putting out your resume for other jobs because you don't want to be caught off guard because it happened to me before and it created a lot of worry and stress which is not good for your health and you probably would not have insurance either.

It depends on who you have sex with. Have sex with a guy with power and influence...that's how it worked at my company (i did not, and thus do not have a job anymore).

This is true...however I am being sarcastic about really doing such a thing. Abandoning your values is never worth it.

Letting go off employees due to downsizing or layoffs is not an easy process. Companies usually determine what they need to move forward and cut out everything else. Allot of legalities involved in the decision making.

In most cases it's all about the money and department/position needs. Hope you can ride it out!!

First hand experience is it doesnt mattwr because no one is indispensable unless you have a key role in your process that no one else can do. Even then there is no guarantee...but never be afraid of change...just be ready!