During the second round of layoffs, I wasn't afraid. After all, I was covering for all the work that had once been done by my laid-off coworkers. The company needed me. The third time around, I was on vacation. Fourth: out of town on client business. Now it's February and I'm still waiting for that call -- only now, it's with anticipation. I'd love to be handed the pink slip from this foundering net-consulting firm, but apparently I'm too good to be let go.

Almost daily, I try to figure out how to get laid off. In November, I tried to volunteer, but the woman who was doing the deed just laughed. It seemed that they'd only lay you off if you hadn't billed any hours, or if someone on top hated you. Since I fit neither of these categories, I was "spared." But I keep trying.

The bottom line is, I don't want to be the president of a bankrupt company. And if we have one more layoff that doesn't include me that's just what I might be -- lifeboat-less on the Titanic while all my laid-off friends drink piña coladas on the shore. When did it start being bad to be good?

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