[ChuckMcM]

Which is to say, if you use the layoff list as a measure of "value received" and you the company gets some value from keeping you employed, and you get some value by being employed. Then being at the top of the layoff list means you are getting way more value out of being employed than the company is, and being at the bottom of the list means the company is getting way more value out of you being employed. So if you are aggressive shoot for the top, if you are defensive shoot for the bottom :-)

[tryitnow]

This comment pretty much nails it. I've definitely seen a pattern of highly compensated people getting sacked.

If someone does play the aggressive pattern I'd highly recommend saving up a lot of cash so you can weather longer spells of unemployment. This is especially true if you intend to be selective in who you work for after getting laid off.

[gozur88]

I like to shoot for the spot on the list that's one below the last guy that gets laid off.