Q: My company recently gave me a birthday present when I hit age 57: a layoff notice. My spouse and I have already booked a cruise for next month, but I’m worried about getting a new job. Should I cancel the cruise? TLR, Buffalo NY A: Don’t cancel unless your bank account is really low and you can’t pay your bills. Consider the cruise a valuable time to rest, reflect and refuel. Take a smartphone on the ship with you, and while sunning at the pool, build a file of useful info about finding a job.

Do some serious research about your future. Check current want ads, Get names of job contacts, update your resumé and otherwise write up thoughts and facts to use during your post-cruise search. Then, you’ll get back home rested and ready to enlist again in the job market battle. Good luck!