If time off cannot be prevented, make the time off count. One of the things prospective employers hate the most is someone who has been out of work for too long. Possibly take a pay cut to keep working, will look good as applying to new jobs, you will be seen as someone with good work ethic. Or, my personal favorite, go get training, even if you're trained go get more. With so many out of work in the world, we have to distinguish ourselves. Another suggestion, network and socialize, because training may give you the edge, but really it's who you know.
