<prompt> Human: Throwaway account for anonymity. Im in my mid twenties working my first job out of college in my field. The company I work for has some major issues, cultural and financial. They recently hired a consultant to help clean up the section of the business I fit into Im a systems engineer. They came back with the idea to outsource as much as possible to India and we were told that layoffs were looming. My teammates and I were told that it would affect us in at least some way. Being younger, making less than the average employee in my group, and being a top performer I was not worried at all. Well my manager called and told me today that Im on the list for December cuts and there is little more than a glimmer of hope of something changing. Yes I was told that Im being fired...but not for a month or two. Like I said, some company issues.So now I have some questions. I need to get ready. Im in grad school for healthcare IT, this company is paying my tuition. They should finish paying for this semester even if I get let go before semester end. I have a good safety net in cash, probably 6 months worth including tuition. I shouldnt have too hard of a time finding a job fairly quickly but Ive never been fired before. Im excited, tell me whats about to happen? What do I need to know?Edit: thanks to all for the advice. Im aware I should only be saying Im being laid off not fired. Starting the job search immediately. Hopefully I wont need to take any unemployment but Ill be willing to if necessary. Getting a few recruiters working for me tomorrow.Assistant: You arent about to be fired. You are being laid off which is very different. You may receive some severance pay. Depending on how long you have been there you are eligible for unemployment. You wont need to tell anyone on a job app or interview that you were fired. You should still be eligible for your health benefits for up to a year. Etc... Just start looking for a new job.Human: Right. I think Ill receive some severance. Im not one to take unemployment. Im inquiring into jobs.  <response>: You pay into the unemployment insurance. its not just a free benefit. Its a separate tax taken out of every single paycheck. Dont let pride prevent you from taking unemployment. 