negotiate severance terms & look for another job immediately
Technically you need to wait until 10/5/2002 to qualify for the AC21 (180 day job switch) rule.
The best solution is to negotiate a severance agreement with your currently employer to keep you on their payroll (e.g. extend your "employment" beyond 10/5/02). First, you can exhaust your unused vacation. Second, if you have months of sick leave (my company allows 13 weeks sick leave accumulation) you can use it for bargaining. Last, try to negotiate a "leave without pay" (you may have to pay back the health insurance).
If you can find a similar position elsewhere quickly (and your current company cannot extend your employment), just use your EAD. Employed is better than jobless. AC21 rule is at an immigration officer\'s discretion. Your case may get approved without any RFE (unless your current employer submits a withdrawal of support).
Good luck.