The end is near.......

[Boris]

Looks like my current gravy train (job) might come to a screeching halt due to forces beyond my control. Worst case scenario is things go completely belly up in 4 months. Best case is everything continues to cruise along and this latest challenge is just a bump in the road.

In either case it's probably time for me to move on. So what I need from the collective brilliance on this board is job hunting tips. I already know about tapping your professional networks and friends. I have to do this very discreetly at this point as I am still working. At the same time I might be "damaged goods" if I wait until my firm actually goes under.

So any helpful experiences you've had might give me some good ideas.

[Oski]

You might want to expand on what you "do" and what you are looking for.

[Zeno]

Sorry to hear that things are bumpy. With at least four months of buffer you might try sending out your resume or feelers to 'long-shot firms or businesses' etc. right now. This will help with getting a feel for the job market or opportunties, get you square on resume building and presentation, and you may actually get lucky, if not, the information you glean may be very helpful down the road.

If you have a nest egg then want for as long as necessary before jumping ship, if it comes to that. Would quiting just before the deck hits the water line be OK, or is the 'damaged goods' label a sentence into hell?

Could you start your own business? Just a thought.

Good Luck. Keep us posted.

-Zeno

[ClarkNasty]

Rule #1 is that it's better to get out too early than too late.

[astroglide]

echoing: You might want to expand on what you "do" and what you are looking for.

[Ulysses]

Line up a tentative consulting gig w/ someone that you could start as soon as it's decided (by you, them, or circumstance) that you're moving on and are ready to do something. Then worry about longer-term employ during or after the consulting gig.

[ThaSaltCracka]

sign up with a headhunter who will look for jobs for you, and will essentially sell you to employers. It costs money, but I have heard it is worth it if you can afford it.

[adios]

A lot of good advice posted already. If your place goes belly up will you get a severance package? If so might want to negotiate now for what the final package will be. Perhaps if you left now they'd make you a better deal than if you stayed on. Come back in about a month and see if they survived and offer your services as a consultant maybe on a part time basis if necessary.

[Phat Mack]

I like this advice. If it goes belly up in four months, there might not be any money for severance, but if you offer them an out now, they might give up some change to reduce their fixed costs. Just a thought. Been there...

Good Luck

[Lottery Larry]

what kind of "job" are you talking about here?