Our friend who works for the state is worried about being laid off.  She says that there are going to be major staff cuts in her department.  She worries about this every few years.  On the other hand the State budget has more than doubled in the 15 years she has worked there and the number of employees has also increased dramatically.

I have often wondered what could cause this inconsistency?  Why do people not seem to be as postive about being in a growing organization as they are negative in a shrinking one.
I have finally come up with a theory: When an organization is growing the benefit of increased employment goes predominantly to the new hires. However when layoffs occur they effects everybody on the staff.

So in this case the bad news is closer to home and the good news is mostly for others.  The worry it turns out is realistic.