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With the economy slowing, plenty of employers are downsizing.

Being prepared can help prevent the shock that comes with a pink slip.

"Don't think you can avoid it," said Pat Marum, career coach and owner at Balance and Purpose and president of the Tucson Coaches Alliance.

"You have to plan for it. It has to be considered part of a career track nowadays."

Marum offers these five things to think about now — just in case.

Instead of believing your company will take care of you, take the mind-set that you or your employer could end your contract at any time, Marum said.

"There's no way around the point that it feels like you're getting fired, but it's not getting fired," she said. "Resources ran out. It's part of business."

Watch for financial changes in your company. Have readily available resources and support dried up?

Also watch industry trends and consumer preferences, Marum said.

During a restructuring, consider your place.

"Are you left out on a limb? Because that's something that can easily be sawed off," Marum said.

You should always keep your résumé current, Marum said. Consider what skills from your current job are transferable.

"People tend to think they are their job title, but sales is sales. The technique is the same," she said.

You should also gather a portfolio of your best work and gather letters of recommendation as you go along, because there will be a mad rush in a layoff, she said.

Network with industry leaders if you want to stay in the industry to learn what jobs are in demand.

Listen for clues about worker shortages and then look for job training that would help you land that sort of job, she said.

Or find a trade group that interests you if you're thinking about changing careers, Marum said.

People tend to stay in the same industry, but if the industry is struggling, you could be setting yourself up for another layoff, she said.

"A lot of people when they get laid off consider it an opportunity to change directions," she said.

Thank your employer for the experience, and don't make a scene.

"For one thing, it speaks well about you," Marum said.

For another, "Your employer will be more likely to be in your corner as a reference in the long run."

Most people are referred to One Stop when they apply for unemployment benefits. A four-hour intake process determines your eligibility and gets your job search started.

Laid-off workers are always eligible, otherwise there are low-income requirements. Only those eligible to work in the United States qualify for the federally funded programs.

Staff will measure your math and reading skills and have you answer questions about your skills and interests. A job counselor reviews your results with you and helps you get job training or matches you with available jobs.

The counselor sticks with you until you have a job. The success rate is 85 percent or better for people who get a job through One Stop and hold it for at least 90 days.

One Stop also offers a four-day employability skills workshop including interviewing skills, résumé writing and job-retention skills.

Pima County One Stop Career Centers can help businesses and workers deal with layoffs.

The two centers are at 2797 E. Ajo Way and 340 N. Commerce Park Loop.

Call 243-6700 for more information.

Call One Stop before the layoffs. Job counselors can meet with managers, come up with a plan and be on hand to help workers when you give them the news.

One Stop staff will take an inventory of your job openings and match the job-seekers with the skill sets you need. Wage subsidies also may be available for on-the-job training.