Questions for those that have been through the layoff process

[Linflas]

I was on a contract that ended February 20th and have been looking for another contract internally this entire month. Obviously I am now on the bubble and looking at a layoff in my immediate future if I don't find something soon. This has to be without a doubt the single most stressful thing I have ever experienced in my life and I am curious how you coped with it? So far I have registered with Monster and am even considering some life altering career changes as I am frankly sick and tired of the constant uncertainty that is the government contracting game in the DC area. In my case all it took was one change in a management position at the agency I worked for and my entire project was shut down. For those that have gone through this how long did it take you to find another job? Did you have any problems at least matching your last current salary or did your new company low ball you knowing that you needed a job?