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<a xhref="http://www.nydailynews.com/money/2008/03/24/2008-03-24_have_a_working_plan_to_cope_with_layoff.html">Have a working plan to cope with layoff</a>

It's a frightening topic, but the sudden collapse of Bear Stearns showed once again that anyone can find themselves out of a job, no matter how much they earn or how talented they are.

Most workers just can't control all the aspects of their employment. You can work hard and do your job well, but the fact is there are an enormous amount of jobs out there that are dependent on market conditions. My advice: Always be prepared.

Regardless of what your position is or who your employer is, get yourself financially and emotionally prepared as best you can. If you unexpectedly get laid off, you have to be ready to assess, regroup and move forward.

For advice on how to do this, I turned to the author and consumer financial expert Mary Hunt. Her Web site, www.debtproofliving.com, offers a wealth of experience and insight on this topic. (She also is a financial contributor to www.FindingWhatMatters.com, a Web site created for women trying to move ahead in their careers and seeking balance in their lives. FindingWhatMatters was created by Carolyn & Company Media.)

Hunt has developed a systematic plan to help someone in this situation get his/her best footing for moving forward:

Negotiate

When the ax falls, get the best deal you can. At a minimum, ask for extended pay and benefits, and payment for unused vacation time. Assuming your performance had nothing to do with your dismissal, get a solid recommendation letter.

Assess your finances

You may have unemployment benefits, a lump sum payout from your ex-employer a severance package and options regarding health care insurance. It's important to gather this information fully so you know exactly what you have to work with and what you must do to activate these benefits.

Delay paying off debt

Whether it is your final paycheck or a severance payment, hoard cash. Use it only for living expenses, and do what you can to make it last. During this uncertain time, you may want to pay the minimum required. If you've been prepaying your mortgage principal, pull back to only the amount required. Until you regain a source of steady income, you need cash on hand.

Don't seek credit

Do not extend yourself anew. Today's credit is tomorrow's debt. Additional debt is something you definitely do not need to take on. Without a source of income, it can pile up then squash you.

Working routine

Effective immediately, your new job consists of getting a new job. Dress, get ready for work, Monday through Friday. Set up a work space at home and put in regular hours. Update your resume and gather letters of recommendation. Uncover all new career possibilities and tackle them. Network use any and all contacts to search all avenues. Keep good records, follow up on any leads and set goals.

Stay positive

As hard as it is, find as many ways as you can to stay motivated and optimistic. While it's a struggle at times, if not all the time, you'll need energy and confidence to achieve your No. 1 goal: Landing a new job that's worthy of your talent.

Your Money columnist Carolyn Kepcher, author of the best-selling business book, "Carolyn 101," is the former "Apprentice" star who thrived working for one of America's toughest bosses. She's now CEO of Carolyn & Company Media (www.carolynandco.com), an enterprise created by and for career women.