To me outsourced does = laid off. Basically, you are out of a job. As far as the reasons why and costs I have been amazed where it works on...

When I worked on CRTs and had florescent lights I got headaches and eye strain. Ever since I have moved to natural light (extremely lucky to work by a window)...

Like others in this thread, it depends. When I need to learn something new or troubleshoot a tough item I like silence. When it is something I can code to...