Ugh, the Recession Just Got Personal

On Friday I was laid off from my job; I expected it sooner or later if the economy didn't improve.  So now I am back in the hunt for work, at a time when work is scarce.  Strangely enough, my employer asked me to stay on for another few weeks to help with the external audit, but as an independent contractor rather than an employee, and at a rate that represents a substantial raise.  Are they stupid or what?

In any case, it gives me maybe another month to look for work but I have to start immediately.  So today that's what I'll be doing.  Looking for work in the bluest state in the Union, the most socialized, the most heavily taxed, and one of the most economically depressed.