Are you dealing with "last one standing" syndrome? That would mean you're one of the few survivors in your company or department after a round of layoffs. I suppose if I were in the business of making clever acronyms, I'd call that LOSS, and we'd start a movement or nonprofit together.

Problem is, if you have LOSS, you have virtually no time or emotional resources to join my movement. If you were left behind, you're probably simultaneously 1) doing your own work, 2) doing someone else's work, 3) missing your former colleagues and 4) dealing with confused bosses, rumor mills and reduced resources.

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Have you told your friends and family about your situation? If so, then you're also being bombarded with well-meaning advice to "stay!" or "leave!" For reasons I can't quite understand, these circumstances almost always elicit one-word recommendations from those around us. But it isn't a one-word situation, and every career path is unique.

With that in mind, here are some slightly more nuanced tips, direct to you from the LOSS Center — which, by the way, I'm thinking of locating somewhere sunny and warm, like Honolulu.

1. Slow your responses, and keep your own counsel. Unless you have paperwork to sign or an immediate decision to make, resolve to make no resolutions until the dust settles.

Resolve even more firmly not to engage in gossip or complaining. When others let off steam, say something like: "Don't take this personally, but I don't want to deal with this right now. I've got to let it sit in my head for a week or two."

The idea isn't to snub anyone or to delay key decisions about your career. Rather, your strategy is to avoid making an emotional response that you may regret later. You also want to remain neutral in office politics.

2. Support your boss. Yep, even if he or she is a rotten little . . . You've already finished the sentence, haven't you? On the other hand, you may have a terrific boss, who is fighting to keep your department off the chopping block.

In either case, you'll never know the full story, so you might as well believe the best. In the first few days after the cuts, send your manager a note that reads: "Standing by. I appreciate working here. Tell me what you need me to do."

AMY LINDGREN

WORKING STRATEGIES

3. Manage your cynicism. If these tips all sound Pollyanna-ish, it's because attitude control is one of your most important challenges. When new initiatives are announced, spend time asking yourself "What can I do to make this work?," not looking for ways the plan won't work. That's your boss's job, not yours.

4. Stay balanced. This may seem counterintuitive, but less might be more right now. You won't save your company single-handedly, so there's no point in working until midnight or missing lunch. Nor will you save your job by working harder. If there's too much work for one person, figure out what you can do, tell your boss what's not getting done and why, and be happy for once that you're not in his or her shoes.

5. Update your résumé, but don't jump ship too quickly. Most people polish their résumés for outside employers. That's smart, but you also should consider changing jobs internally. Restructurings can provide surprising opportunities and sometimes springboard workers into positions that would be several years away under other circumstances.

But don't stay with your company out of habit, either. I've seen people absorb incremental changes at work until their jobs have become something they hate.

If you're staying to build opportunity, that's good. If you're staying because you're afraid to leave, that's bad. That situation demands outside counsel from a career adviser, who can help you identify your options. Once you know your marketability, you can make decisions from a position of strength, rather than fear.

Which is another reason a LOSS movement might never see the light of day. If everyone took the center's great advice, there would be no one left to pay dues. It's not looking good for my office overlooking the beach.

- Amy Lindgren owns Prototype Career Service, a career consulting firm in St. Paul, Minn. She can be reached at alindgren@prototypecaree rservice.com or at 1071 W. Seventh St., St. Paul, MN 55102.