June 18, 2009

Finding the Exit

A small number of nonprofit groups offer career-transition services to laid-off workers

By Sandy Asirvatham

An employee of the Detroit Institute of Arts for almost 30 years, Steven Niemi had survived layoffs in two previous recessions, and thought he was probably safe even in the current downturn. So he was unprepared when the museum included him in a huge layoff in late February.

Twenty percent of the staff — 56 full-time and nine part-time employees — lost their jobs, according to museum managers.

Mr. Niemi, an interpretation specialist who helped develop

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