A good friend of mine consistently finds the humor in people's idiosyncrasies and selfish actions by categorizing them under the explanation that "People are funny." The extent of how "funny" people can really get never ceases to amaze me.

Particularly in this unstable economy, where major layoffs have been and continue to be de rigeur over the past three years, I am simply shocked at the entitlement mentality of some of those who are still employed. It's as if they have blinders on and don't realize how widespread unemployment is and how many of their friends, family members and professional associates have been afflicted with it. Surely they must have radios, television sets, telephones, Internet access, newspaper and magazine subscriptions--heck, even neighbors and barbers will talk about it. Yet they continue to demand more and more: raises, more time off with pay, better medical insurance at lower cost, higher levels of tuition assistance, etc.

In trying to make some sort of sense out of this, I've come up with several theories that might explain these selfish behaviors:

• Myopic business focus. The U.S. is renowned for being very short-sighted in its business planning, especially when compared to its European and Asian competitors. Perhaps this mindset has infected the workforce as well, making it more individually-focused and looking out for number one, no matter what long-term negative consequences may result.
• Employee ignorance/arrogance. Employees who have been fortunate enough to not have been laid off during the course of this recession do not realize what it is like to have no job or feeling of productivity and professional belonging, and can't fathom how difficult it is and how long it takes to find a new job in these conditions. Their ignorance/arrogance may lead them to make unsound and irrational demands in these times because they don't understand the magnitude of the poor economic state or because they feel that if they've survived through it so far, they won't be affected by it (or perhaps they want to try to get as much as possible before they may be impacted themselves).
• These employees are really ostriches with their heads buried in the sand and have no concept of political and economic realities.

Having worked for a year as a career management consultant servicing recently laid-off professionals from all industries, disciplines, and levels, I would like to take this opportunity to offer some free advice to all those fortunate enough to still have a source of income during these tough times:

• Be thankful for what you have, because things could be (and could get) a whole lot worse. Look around you to confirm this.
• Think before you ask for more. A raise and/or more benefits cost money and have to be paid out of some budget somewhere. Human resources are a company's most valuable, and most expensive, asset. Should further cost-cutting need to occur to cover these additional expenses, the raise won't amount to much in the unemployment line.
• Find ways of increasing efficiencies, cutting costs, eliminating waste, improving processes that will benefit the company and protect or prolong your and your co-workers' jobs.
• Don't rock the boat. Especially in these sensitive times when difficult decisions are being made by companies every day. Maintain a positive attitude and make sure you have made provisions for savings in case the unspeakable happens.

With a little preparation, insight, long-term perspective and an attitude adjustment, we can weather the rest of 2003 and come out winners!