The only time I was laid off was at the end of 2008. I had a unique job, and the company gambled they could just cobble together a few people to get it done. They couldn't, and called me 9 months later. I came back as a full-time contractor and make more now than when I worked there. Best thing that ever happened to me, and it would be very difficult for me to go back as an employee. Wouldn't need to, anyway.