Job stability is a luxury that no one seems to possess right now. I like to look on the bright side; I've learned is that getting a call back is no easy task. I'm not going to kid myself, if I were looking for a job outside of Coke, I'd be SOL. While this statement is rather depressing, at least I know realisticly what the job market looks like. I'm not longer that kid thinking, "This job describes me perfectly, I should get a call back this week!" Instead, I know that 99% of my applications go unread and/or unused.

I keep my ears open.... Coke has frozen all external applications. While the website lets you apply, no one is reading them.
But I also know there are exceptions for any rule when someone really wants something. No travel budget? But your head boss thinks it is important to go...ta da! Funding magically appears.

Here I am approaching year two as a contractor at Coke. The 12-month rule is something that can be overlooked when it's more cost effective.

I can officially state this information now that my co-workers are freely relaying their 2010 plans:
My group of five that turned into three has been whittled down to one.
My two team-members (although higher-ranked than me) are retiring. When faced the the option of a job demotion and more work or a year's severance and a bridge to retirement, the plain answer is to take the money and run! That leaves me, the contractor with no close boss that actually knows the value of my position. I'll find out on Thursday what their plans are for me.
Until then, I have 2 weeks of paid vacation that I don't want to waste!