Rumors were abound about an impending layoff.  I was just buying a house, was low on the totem pole here and could not afford a layoff.  So I went out and found a new job.  I gave 2 weeks notice on a Friday.

Monday morning everyone was told to gather in a conference room.  The room was completely devoid of furniture.  We all stood there awaiting our fate.  One of the managers came in and told us that the department was reorganizing (code for layoff).  Each person was to be handed an envelope.  Inside was a room number.  We were to go to that room and either our new boss or human resources would be there.

Well, I met my new boss in the room.  After the meeting, I informed him that I had resigned on Friday.  Since I was sure this was only the first of many layoffs, I would abide by my decision.

A few days later, my old boss approached me and asked if I would accept a layoff instead of my resignation.  That way, they could keep another person who was laid off.  I accepted and took the severance pay.  This was the FIRST time I was to be laid off in this building.