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.

---

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: 
You need some sort of motivation to finish strong. Here's one possibility that may or may not resonate with you.

Whenever you leave a company (voluntarily or no), you leave behind an impression on those with whom you worked. People remember former coworkers who were good. Working hard in the couple months preceding your termination allows you to leave on a good note. If you work hard and are laid off, it may leave a good impression on people. This will be helpful if you run into some of your former coworkers in future jobs/companies and when asking people for references.

So you may be able to motivate yourself by working for your reputation, and the effect it may have on future business opportunities. Think of it as a long term investment.
Far from being a definitive answer, but here's what's working for me so far.

1. Establish Cognitive Dissonance
---------------------------------

From "9 to 5" convince yourself that you are safe and will not be let go. This allows you to focus on your work and get the job done. After you punch out, convince yourself that you *will* be let go, and spend your time accordingly.

2. Talk About It
----------------

but not with your co-workers. Your co-workers are as frightened and uncertain about the future as you are. DO NOT discuss this with them. Negative energy builds in abundance this way. No, you need to talk about this, but with someone who is minimally affected by the situation. Obviously, discuss this with your significant other, but someone even more objective is preferred. If you have a mentor, call them. It's likely they've been through this before and have a few words of wisdom.

3. Stay Positive
----------------

By any means necessary. Get an extra workout in. Go for a long walk in the woods. Whatever you do for you, do it. Now is the time to make a little extra time for you.

Remind yourself that this is not the end of the world. Your not the first person to ever face a layoff and civilization is still here. Yup. I just checked. The whole wide world is still outside my window.

4. View the Situation as an Opportunity
---------------------------------------

Perhaps this is a good time to make a big bold career move. You've nothing to lose, so there is no sense of potentially lost security holding you back. Seize the opportunity to do something new or simply bigger than your current role.