ok now it seems very serious problem as you have mentioned .like you said you have a lots of option but don't know what to do?what i will suggest you is talk to your lawyer about it,explain to your lawer every thing ,as i have beleived he /she could be the only person who can show you the right way if he/she is very professionall in this field,thats my view. and also you have mentioned that your company is laying off employees ,and ytou want to take a non payleave,well in this case you will be on your own.and about those others you should better cunsult with your lawyer personnaly