This booklet gives an overview of the Search Conference, a change strategy which uses open systems principles in strategic planning, thereby creating a well-articulated, achievable future with identifiable goals, a timetable, and action plans for realizing that future.

Unlike other career books, When You Lose Your Job is written in the style of a story, telling a personal, revealing account of an individual's shock, fears, struggles, self-renewal, learnings, and eventual successes over many months in recovering from job loss. The story offers an inside view of what to expect in dealing with job loss, how to find the support you need, and how to take the steps that will lead to meaningful work.

Interspersed in the story are many practical career transition tools (such as guidelines for networking and interviewing). The book also includes a 65-page resource section that offers detailed information on legal issues, severance agreements, unemployment benefits, who to go to for help, support groups, and much more.