Question: My company recently announced they will be performing some layoffs over the next 12 weeks. My area of the company will be affected, so I have no choice but to assume I will be let go and am starting to look for a new job now. 

I've never been through this kind of thing before. Not once in my life have I been in the position of maybe not having a job tomorrow. So, needless to say, I am a bit unfocused right now. That's a problem for me, because I take my work very seriously and even though it is likely I will be let go, or find another job before I have a chance to find out, it is extremely important to me that I remain focused and professional while I'm at work. 

Does any one have any tips/advice for how to accomplish this in the face of such uncertainty? I read [this Q & A](https://workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/19360/how-to-motivate-a-team-when-everyone-is-paranoid-about-layoffs), but all the answers all just said to start looking for work. I already know to do that. I need to know what I can do to help keep myself focused and my quality of work high. It's both a matter of self-preservation and my own morals and values for me to do so.

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I think people have mis-understood my question to some degree. I am not actually very concerned with "saving my skin" so to speak. What I am concerned with are techniques I can use to maintain a high level of focus and professionalism. It's a matter of principal, not saving my job.

Answer: 
**Focus on what you can control and worry about that**

It is hard to be positive with your job on the line. But it is important not to let yourself get down. If you focus on what you can't control you will get depressed. Despite your best efforts you may be laid off. Don't worry about that. There is nothing you can do. You can focus on keeping your performance up, that's it. 

Focus on what you can control: Looking for new jobs, keeping your work at your current job up to snuff, being positive with/around your co-workers and bosses.

It takes true strength to be positive in times of trouble. Being positive and confident may be the difference you need(in your current job or the one your are looking for).
Well, you're doing the right thing by starting to look for a new job. Obviously, keeping this quiet will be important if you wish to keep your current job.

Fact is, you have one huge motivator for keeping busy with your job; your job depends on it.

If there are any responsibilities up for grabs, I suggest you grab them, or volunteer.

Usually, you can keep your job pretty certain by making yourself part of a low [bus factor](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bus_factor). That is to say, gaining expertise and knowledge that very few people have. It increases your value to the company, and letting you go would come at a higher price.