FWD: Layoffs and scrounging

["Eric J. Ray" <ejray -at- RAYCOMM -dot- COM>]

Name withheld upon request. Please reply on list.

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Hi Everyone,

I know some of you have been through what I'm going through and I'm looking
for some advice or encouragement.

Our company has been downsizing our division. We build capital equipment
and business has been slowing down. I've been told my position as a
technical writer is probably safe but of course there are no guarantees.
We've had two rounds of lay-offs and the atmosphere around here is rather
gloomy. When the others were let go, they were told the company would try
to call them back as soon as possible (maybe within a few months). However,
management has approved "requisitions" for monitors, computers, RAM and
other equipment from the vacated cubicles. Everyone here seems to have the
attitude of what can I grab to make it easier for me. There doesn't seem to
be a lot of thought about what will happen if we have to call the people
back. Is the outcome inevitable?

Here are my questions.

Is it typical to redistribute equipment among the survivors? I'd really
like to think we will be calling the others back. I'm not sure I would want
to come back after a lay-off to find my desk marauded.

How are other companies doing that provide capital equipment? Is the
slowdown unique to the industry I'm in?

Should I be looking for another job right now?

Thanks for the advice.