Since its peak in 2009, the national unemployment rate has decreased by half. However, in an attempt to save money, companies are continuing to tighten their belts, laying off entire departments or offshoring labor to other countries.
A layoff can be hard to not take personally, particularly for a young professional in their first job. Ultimately, the formerly-employed who do find other jobs follow similar practices in their quest for new employment. Some even take the opportunity to change directions in their careers by gaining work experience elsewhere.