After spending 27 years in the Aircraft manufacturing business, I was laid off. Through a total quirk of fate I ended up working as a blacksmith, doing artsy and functional ironwork. I was greatly assisted by a programme run by the UIC folks called the SEA (Self Employment Assistance) Programme. So I would recommend any retraining schemes that you can get into. I subsequently took a contract job that paid real money (I needed a new truck) this eventually became a "permanent" job. All back with the company that laid me off. I now actually look forward to being laid off again, or retirement, whichever comes first. So that I can get back to the Blacksmithing full time. So let the fates take their course, assist them when you can and go with the flow. Good Luck. JohnB