Their goal should be being employable. They're like cowboys. They have their gangs of co-workers. They get their ducks in a row, start networking and sending out resumes. But then, they also don't have the overhead and obligations to worry about that older workers do.
Rumors are often speculative worst-case scenarios.
Keep in mind that your co-workers are on an emotional roller coaster too. Be discriminating about whom you trust. Create an in-house support group of peers with whom you can share concerns, networking tactics and encouragement. Some longtime associates may distance themselves from you or behave out of character during this time. Don't take it personally, experts say.