Pulled from comments: More reports from the job wars.

Thanks all for the advice and wisdom. I just got laid off last friday after almost 9 years with my company and 20 years since undergrad. I have heard similar stories form numerous people that echo the comments above, that it is just brutal out there, oh wait, I meant "out here."

Conversely, I've heard that there are opportunities, it is just a vastly different game to play now. It takes dilligence, patience, confidence, and using professional networks to uncover those opportunities.

All options are under consideration right now between looking for a new, full time opportunity, picking up contract work, going back to school, or starting my own business.

Good luck to all of us now in the new game.