If you can sense that your job is in trouble, there are few important measures to take before you're handed the pink slip, such as:
Take advantage of everything your company has to offer while you still have it. That includes:
Health examinations for you and the family (medical, dental, and vision)
Professional training (workshops, conferences)
Get your financial house in order.
Bring down your credit card balances
Eliminate excess spending where you can
Investigate where you can get funds (money, loans) if you need them
Make sure your pension and 401-Ks are protected (and it's all not in company stock)
Make sure that your life insurance benefits are protected
Review your benefits package and make sure the information is correct
Put aside some cash from your check each week
Consider a part-time moonlighting position
Construct a plan of what you will do when the inevitable happens
Contact head hunters
Rework your resume
Broaden your skills with some college or professional courses
Go through your Rolodex and make sure you have your contacts in order
Network with others in the industry and learn where new opportunities exist
Consider starting your own business from home
Research the market
Visit lenders (banks, venture capitalists)
Write a business plan
Visit a SCORE office for free advice from retired executives or contact a SBA office (for more information, see Appendix A).