I feel a bit like the teenage Henry Hill in “Goodfellas” after he was arrested for the first time, and Jimmy comes to greet him at the courthouse and tells Henry, “Congratulations.”
“Why? I got pinched.”
“Everyone does. You did it right.”
I’m not a hood, I’m a journalist, so instead of getting arrested, I got laid off. I think I did it right: I saw it coming literally six months ago, and even if I hadn’t, it was virtually telegraphed to me by the new ownership of the company (here’s a hint, in case you are ever in the same boat: When people stop communicating with you, you’re on the way out), but I was the good soldier and kept at the job every day. I kept quiet about what I saw coming — which hit another 104 people besides me today — and showed up early every day, worked at least a little most weekends. Just this morning a woman came by and asked me whether I ever went home. When the news came, I was ready, I had just a couple things at the desk to gather up, and I walked out without fuss.
So. What’s next?
Newsroom With A View 
Good for you! You only get a few opportunities in life to take some time off! Now go get that gov cheese!
Guy,
Thanks for all the excellent copy editing. We’ll be a little less confident in Editorial without your sharp eye looking over our shoulder.
Getting laid off does seem to be an unfortunate rite (almost wrote “right,” which I’m sure you would have caught) of passage in this business. I broke my cherry, as Paulie put it, in 1994, while living in a rental house with two kids under the age of 8. Severance pay: two weeks.
I am confident your talent, work ethic and unflappable demeanor will prevail soon.
Bob