10 things to do if you're given the chop

In the current economic climate and amid the constant stream of reports of redundancies and cutbacks, although it may seem gloomy, there's no harm in preparing for the worse.

Tech employees are a little different from the rest of the workforce so here's a list of specific things people in the tech industry might want to consider if they're let go.

1. Get involved in an open-source project
It's where the most interesting and influential products are being developed, and more importantly, many open-source projects are filled with people who are also connected to companies that pay their engineers. Plus, obviously, working on a development project will keep you sharp and expand your skill set.

2. Go to start-up fairs
Wherever people are pitching new businesses, be there. They're all hiring. If not now, then soon.

3. Get project work
You may not have a daily gig but you still have your skills, and there are people who need them. Head over to a project marketplace like oDesk and pick up some work.

4. Update your profiles
Go to your pages on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter etc, and let people know you are available for new projects. While you're at it, proactively send out notes to your trusted associates that you are looking for work.

5. Learn some new skills
Obvious stuff such as learning Rails if you're used to Java. But also other things such as cooking, rock climbing, riding a motorcycle - something that you didn't have the time to do while you were an employed full time.

6. Answer some questions
Scan Friendfeed and Twitter. Search for people asking questions in your areas of expertise, spend time in message boards on things you know stuff about. You'll see what's going on in the industry, you might be able to help people out (always worthwhile), and you might also land a tip for a job.

7. Buy some new tools
Yes, you're going to have to do the obvious task of taking a financial inventory and cutting back on your expenses but you will also need current tools to pick up projects. You'll be more positive about working on those projects if you're doing it on a shiny new system configured just the way you like.

8. Take pictures
Put your digital camera to use by selling stock-art pictures of household objects to Fotolia, ShutterStock, iStockphoto, StockXpert, etc.

9. Volunteer
It can build new skills and could give you material for a portfolio if you find the right projects.

10. Start your own company
If you have some savings and can afford to work for peanuts, it's a great time to start a company. Without the annoying distraction of a booming economy, you can focus on building a product to solve a problem you know people will have again when the economy loosens up. There is still funding even, for early stage companies.

Original article: 14 things to do if you are laid off from a tech job from CNET News.com