Let’s be honest, no one looks forward to being let go, for any reason, and unemployment isn’t enough to keep most families afloat. People rely on their incomes; therefore, identifying any hint of a layoff is critical to jobseeker survival. Facing unemployment can be daunting, but true test is how you prepare for it with time you’re given.

Unlike days passed, companies rarely announce an upcoming layoff, unless story is leaked and somehow makes six o’clock news. A number of reasons account for these tactics, for example, attitude and dedication of employees oftentimes change once their necks are potentially on chopping block. In addition, private documents may suddenly disappear at hands of disgruntled employees. Companies have too much to lose, so you can understand need to keep a layoff or downsizing hush-hush.

So, how do you learn what’s going on behind your back? Companies doomed with potential layoffs oftentimes drop breadcrumbs before making cuts:

A management or executive-level restructuring, elimination of a second or third shift, and changes in inventory or production levels, are all signs that something is going on. Ask co-workers, particularly those involved with inventory and clients, how things are going. Account managers, for example, will be first to know when a large client won’t be renewing a major contract or if sales have dropped significantly. An inventory and procurement professional will be one to ask whether suppliers have stopped being delivered to due to late or non-payment issues.

Check pulse of local media. Newspapers and business publications can offer a window into financial health of your employer. Stories and articles covering missed contracts or severed business relationships should capture your interest.

Keep in mind, negative indications doesn’t mean you should react hastily. Companies always undergo changes — more so in today’s market. Cutting fat and shifting to lean operations is a necessity to staying profitable and continuing to grow in competitive markets. As companies are being transformed, retraining or cutting back on staff is sometimes unavoidable.

Start a job search diary right now. Even if you have been unemployed for some time, start one anyway because a late start is better than never doing it at all.

Take a plain old exercise book and title it: Job Search Diary. Find a spot to keep it where it will always be close at hand when you need it, probably several times a day.

If you are newly jobless, start out by recording your feelings. Writing out (keep it simple, it's not great American novel) what you are thinking, in black and white sentences, helps to sort out your jumbled emotions, clear your mind, and reach a better understanding of your inner self. Jot down your anger, your fears, what you expect, what you secretly dread. Pouring out your soul will release a lot of inner tension you're feeling and soothe your nerves.

This record is for you - no one else will ever see it - so you can be brutally honest. If you fear you are a loser who will never amount to anything, write it out. If you think you're really a good, competent worker but your old boss was a jerk or company sucked, put it down.

If you have been out of work for a while, make your initial entries a recap of what has been happening in your life since you lost your job. Trace sequence of events and see if you can remember how you felt at different times. There were probably times when you were overwhelmed and stressed out: record when you felt that way and, if you can recall, what activities you were engaged in when those feelings appeared. There were also probably times when you felt hopeful or elated. Record that too and what events were connected with such emotions.