rumors

The rumor at work today is that the layoffs will commence either next Tuesday or Wednesday. I don't think this is based on anything more the people reading way too much between the lines, but at the same time, this could also very much be what happens.

I've already decided that if I get an offer from the hospital this week that I'm going to tell my boss with the explanation that if I'm on the list of those leaving, please let me know so I can take the job, and if I'm not, please let me know so I can turn it down. I'm not going to use this to fish for a counter-offer, as I've never seen that done without a huge downside later on down the road. There are, however, two very big risks: first, that I'm not on the list, but by advertising a potential out, I will have added myself to it anyway; and second, that I'm told that I'm not on the list, decline the offer, and get let go anyway.

Considering that this is my life we're dealing with here, do I have any takers for bets on option number two? Or are we all holding out for the obvious third choice: I don't get the job offer *and* I get let go next week.