Powayseller-
So sorry to hear about the lay-off – the week before Christmas?! It is stressful, even with cash reserves. I hope he can find new work quickly.

We’ve been there, as you know. My husband was hired back to his airline pilot job after only six months laid off, but he realized upon his return that some of the companies he interviewed for were actually better than the big airline job. Fast forward three years, and he is out of the airlines and into a small local company. He loves it, says it is like stepping back into the 60’s working for this company… Hams and Turkeys given out at the holidays, hefty bonuses, often, and for all, not just the top dogs (although he is one of the top 5 dogs).
The company took a huge hit after 9-11 as well, and lost a giant project building a significant portion of a new military aircraft a few months later, however, they did not layoff a single employee. they cut back on hours, but everyone remained employed.

Interestingly, this company opened a San Diego branch about ten years ago, and it was eventually closed due to “cultural work issues”… meaning, they wouldnt work very hard out there. Couldnt produce the same amount and there was all kinds of whining and carrying on.
The weather is gorgeous, and it is my hometown, but leaving there was the best thing we ever did. Things are just too messed up.
Anyway, leaving San Diego probably isnt an option for you with kids in highschool, but certainly the layoff could end up being a good thing for you… so GOOD LUCK to you and your husband. I wish you the best.