Dear CareerBabe:

Are you aware of any support groups on the net for people who have been recently terminated?

Dear Laid Off:

There is a book called FirePower: Everything You Need to Know Before & After You Lose Your Job (10 Speed Press), Author: Frances Quittel and a web site called FirePower! Career Forum which deals specifically with this type of information.

Also, don't forget to phone your state or county bar association to have a low cost consultation with an attorney. This is not to sue your former employer but to make sure that whatever you are signing is correct.

Once you've been laid off, getting back on your feet can take some time - but be careful not to let it last forever. There's also a book called When Smart People Fail (Carole Hyatt & Linda Gottlieb) that's particularly good.

Also, try the career megasites listed on "CareerBabe" and, if you can, for more information dealing with this issue, visit the FirePower! Career Forum on the Microsoft Network. (Go: Careers)

Wishing you very good luck,