Most people don't get the memo until it lands on their heads. Rite-Aid is just one of hundreds of major corporations axing people the past year or so. The media is even starting to admit the economy is falling apart, which means it has been for a year already.
Too bad this is news to most of you, because if you had been paying attention to what was going on, you would be prepared and have a plan. But hey, maybe some employer will value your thorough knowledge of American Idol, or whatever reality TV show you wasted your nights watching.