Take a page from ex-Microsoft CIO Stuart Scott, change industries and job title! Scott, dismissed in early November for "violation of corporate policies" at the Redmond software company, has landed on his feet as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at mortgage lender Taylor, Bean, and Whitaker in Ocala, Florida. That's about as far from Redmond as you can get in the continental US... the parting must have been traumatic!

CIO magazine suggests that perhaps this isn't actually a forward-looking career move for Scott, but then offers their own guide for getting back on your feet quickly after a contentious departure. Valuable information for all you CIOs out there facing potential firings!