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[bud04]

V I am really sorry for what you are going through. I am especially sorry that you didn't get any support from your colleagues when you needed it. Please hang in there and keep us updated on your new job search as well as how things are going.

[alleyoxenfree]

v, yes, at one chain I am aware of, people must fill out the form on the spot so as to prove they can read and write.  I really feel for your friend.

And for you.  You are being very kind not to give false info to your students, like encouraging them to register for "your" courses.  Can you not tell them you are moving on?  I have announced moves (with a positive spin), with the excuse that if they want a letter from me for an internship, etc., now's the time to ask, although....and then I give them my hotmail account and encourage them to keep in touch.  If there is no reason NOT to do this (only you would know), you might be heartened by the response.  Students - unlike faculty - see professors moving as an ordinary thing people would do in the job market.  They can be sad to see you go, make you feel good about your contributions, but also be excited for your next step, even if it's presented to them in general terms (as in, "I can't announce where I'm going because we're still in negotiations but feel free to check my Facebook page....").

[angel]

If you have been in this situation yourself, with a sudden job loss and a family to support, then feel free to give advice, which I'm sure can be helpful.  If not, then please keep your feet on the ground.  People who are losing their jobs don't need to look up at any high horses.

I’m so sorry you are in this situation. But I don't see the OP thread as sitting on a high horse. Regrettably, you are not alone: many, many posters here recently have faced tough job markets, uncertain employment, a shrinking number of positions, and termination.

And until you've been in the position, IMHO, the best attitude to a meltdown is to thank god you're not in their situation, take them to lunch, and them write them a bangin' letter of recommendation and do all you can to help them get another job.

But this, I think, is the problem, and what the OP was addressing.  Even before the economic meltdown last year, there are far too many talented  instructors who are not on the tt for various reasons, especially in glutted fields. Of course, as the market has worsened, the number has increased.  Many referees would be reluctant to recommend instructors who worked students in to a panic or sent a series of nasty emails to colleagues and administrators, particularly when there is a large number of other candidates. This may not help someone in the midst of a breakdown, but pointing out that such actions may well lead to a loss of future employment may be useful nonetheless.

[mad_doctor]

I understand why and how meltdowns happen, and have even seen a few myself.  I live by the rule that it's always better to get your revenge by looking great, enjoying life, and being successful.  Publish, publish, publish.  Get a few of your students to nominate you for a teaching award (if you can do it w/ a good conscience).  Chair a panel or organize a conference.  In this case, the people who hurt you may never know that you're doing so well, or may never care, but you'll know, and that's way more important.