If my friend Diane and I were little girls and someone wanted to test our temperaments, a good way would be to give us each a wooden puzzle with a piece that’s cut too large. After trying it several times, Diane would probably hand the puzzle back to the proctor and say, “One of the pieces is too large.” I, on the other hand, would be determined to make the pieces fit if it meant taking off my shoe and hammering them together.

If employers said what they really think, a few would admit they see some upside to the economic downturn. Bad times give companies an opportunity to clean house, to lay off—no questions asked—not only workers who aren’t pulling their weight, but also those who have seniority or fall into protected classes. “I understand you’re nearing retirement and about to start drawing your pension, but—so sorry—we’ve eliminated your position. Recession, you know. Ta-ta!”