One of the most-viewed stories on The Chicago Tribune website recently had an eye-popping headline that read, "Laid Off? You'll Likely Never Make as Much."

The reality is that many people end up happier following a layoff than they were before. They're often more stimulated by their new work or earn more money. Even The Chicago Tribune's otherwise pessimistic article grudgingly admits that this happens to about 1 in 4 people.

It's a sign of the times that an article like this would get so many eyeballs. But economies go in cycles and things will get better down the road -- as scary as it may be to get laid off today.

Clark himself got laid off in college at a time when he was paying his way through school. It took him time to find another job. But he did eventually land on his feet.