My reminiscing in the Chat Box yesterday was without knowing of this DU thread. I've been through 5 layoffs in the past 30 years, plus a, "We are shutting down the division and moving your product group to 500 miles away," move or find a new job choice. BTDT, got a drawerful of T-shirts. I would not wish being laid of on just about anybody below upper manglement.
From PA_jen's post, it sounds like a 3 week plant shutdown over the holidays is normal for her husband's company, but this early event might be an actual staff reduction. [Political] I wonder if, privately, PA_jen has reflected on her comment, "Past year and a half they have been getting less and less orders." For whatever reason, LIEden's economy has not been good for her husband's company. [/Political] I still would not wish a layoff on just about anyone (except manglers who made stupid decisions causing a layoff).