If you were fired and say you were "fired" that's not exactly a selling point. Instead consider saying:

"management reduced my hours"

"looking for other career opportunities"

"no professional development was available"

I love this article-many good points. I have been doing exactly what the author says except I'm on the computer four/five hours a day, then go outside do yard work etc. I wonder if there is anything anywhere that says how long the average person is taking to find a job (depending on your field of course). Also, could someone tell me where there is places to get help on your resume techniques?

More information regarding resumees and presentation therein, needs to get out there for people who were forced to leave work because of the workplace environment and whose sole factor on re-employment is not just "economic hard times"

I agree with Bill Young. It is time for us to claim our independence. Why aren't more people looking at financial independence? The persons behind all of these job closings are. Why are so many of us afraid of doing a great job for ourselves.The opportunities are out there. Why can't we put all of the energy and dedication that we give to others to help realize their dreams back into our own dreams. If ever there where a time to rise above our present circustances, it is NOW!It is not to late to belive in the power of your own dreams, build a business and then FIRE YOUR BOSS!

The article was great. I posed that question to myself after I was informed that I was being laid off and recieved a servance package. I worked at this company 21 years. I know that there are many uncertainties when faced with the loss of a job, and I hope you continue to publish articles such as this one.