I received this note from a friend and thought it was worth passing on. He agreed to let me use it as long as I withheld his name, which I have done for obvious reasons.

"There were more downsizing and layoffs in the paper today. More major companies "outplacing" workers. Such sterile and non-intimidating terms, aren't they? No matter what the "suits" call it, you're still out of work with bills that won't stop, and an industry that has basically given you the boot. For many of these folks, they can't get a similar job because all the other companies are doing the same thing. What's left? Will we all end up bagging groceries or working at Mc Donalds? Isn't there a critical mass that even those businesses will reach?

"It's happened to me twice in the last two years. Just recently from one of the largest companies in the country. I feel as if I'm on my last ride. Seriously. The situation has totally depleted my savings. I've had to cash in my IRAs just to pay bills. I can't last through another one of these.

"But I've noticed an amazing trait in people through all this. When you're "let-go" People stop communicating. It's like you've dropped off the face of the earth. I don't want sympathy. I don't want to vent about how unfair it is. I'd just like to know that the folks I spent one-third to one-half of my waking hours with still think enough of me as a person to say hello. After an experience like this, self-esteem starts to go out the window. Support from those who know about my industry goes a long way to stemming that loss. My wife and family are supportive, but they can't challenge me to push ahead in the same way a co-worker can. I'm removed from the trade papers. There are some people in management I'd like to meet. I'm not expecting anyone to do the work of finding me another job, but the dialog of someone else in the same industry can spark some productive ideas and situations.

"If there's one strong message I've learned from this it is, be a friend. If we can't take a few minutes at lunch or after hours to check in with our fellow humans, we will become as sterile and unforgiving as the conglomerates that employ us. I can count and have fingers left over on just one hand the number of co-workers who have treated me with respect and support during the last two years. Be genuine. According to statistics, you'll be in the same boat eventually."