Several years ago I worked for a company that was downsizing and my job was unexpectedly eliminated. It wasn’t a big deal because the economy was good, work was plentiful, my financial responsibilities were few, and that job was just something to do until I found what I really wanted. So the first thing I did after being laid off was head for the mall to do some shopping and celebrate being temporarily freed from my alarm clock. But at least I bought something “useful”: a cool pair of sunglasses.

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!”