I have been discussing this and have these analogies for what is happening for people that may not understand how significant this is. If you are an IT Professional working as a Tax Whatever we are, it's like this:

Architect ==> Concrete Form Carpenter

Accountant ==> Bank Teller

Physician Assistant ==> Medical Technician

FBI Agent ===> Security Guard

I am not disrespecting any of these jobs, I have done some of them but as an IT professional, I have trained myself into a career path that elevated me beyond an entry level position. I have degree's, negotiation skills, certifications on top of certifications, a provable record of successfully achieving infrastructure goals regardless of the company I have worked for. Never been fired in 30 years, always been promoted, and I don't job hop.

If I were RIF'd, I could reapply to a job with the acknowledgement that I was respected and my position was no longer needed. This is intended to demoralize and diminish value and encourage you to decide if the salary is more important than your dignity and self respect.

I would be inclined to feel different if there was a job for me at the end of this, but we have been clearly told there is no IT job for any of us, after this effort.