Yes still the same field. If I switch jobs I think I can probably expect a 30-40k bump + signing bonus since it's a totally different market now. Also when you have a job people want you. When you're out of a job you're seen as deficient in some way.

So much of it has to do with where the economy is.

Looking for a job in 2000 vs 2001 was a change in what you could demand as a salary. Same in 2008 vs 2009.

Well that makes sense. Also would make sense that this is possibly why he got laid off in the first place.