# 1 Don't Blame Yourself
Some
people believe that it's their fault when they get laid-off. Layoffs aren't
new to the American workforce. But in the recent past, new technologies,
corporate restructuring, changing markets, and increased global competition
have vastly increased the possibility that American workers will change
jobs several times during their working lives. These are things over which
individual workers have no control over. 
It's
perfectly normal to feel angry, depressed or abandoned when you've been
laid-off. But you do not have to deal with unemployment alone. Organized
labor, a variety of community groups, and public agencies stand ready
to help you.
If you are a union member, you are likely to have protections not usually
available to laid-off workers. Check with your union; your bargaining
agreement could include protections like severance pay, health insurance,
pension guarantees, and Union Privilege coverage as well as options for
retraining.
This
booklet provides an overview of some of the other resources available
to you.