How to Keep Your Career on Track During Layoffs and Restructuring

If you work in Pharma or Biotech, chances are you've been impacted by layoffs or restructures—or know someone who has. These changes can create a sense of instability and a loss of control in your career. But even when change isn’t your choice, it can be an opportunity.

In this article, I’m sharing how to take back control, stay on track, and even use change to your advantage.

Use Change as a Catalyst for Clarity

Many people make career decisions based on what’s offered, what their boss recommends, or what makes logical sense. Few have intentionally designed their career path and pursued it fearlessly.

If you’re facing change:

• Use this as a moment to get clear on what you really want.
• Remember: you can’t turn down a job you haven’t been offered.
• Exploring doesn’t mean committing. You’re always in the driver’s seat.

Make a Plan and Take Action

Whether you're choosing to stay or needing to move quickly:

• Reorgs can be a perfect time to renegotiate your role.
• If you need a job now, you can still be intentional about what kind of role you pursue.
• Apply to roles strategically based on your goals—not out of panic.

It’s easier (and faster) to direct all your effort in one focused direction than scatter it in ten.

Feel Your Feelings—Then Move Forward

Change triggers emotion. That’s normal.

• Let yourself feel how you feel—anger, guilt, relief, grief—it’s all valid.
• Your nervous system reacts to change whether it’s positive or negative.
• Don’t suppress or explode—acknowledge and process your emotions.

Emotional intelligence isn’t about suppressing emotions. It’s about processing them and choosing how to respond.

Control What You Can

Yes, the change is happening—but you still have power.

• Make a plan for what you want to do next.
• Get clear on what “safe and secure” means for you.
• Take one intentional step at a time. You can always pivot.

If you’re making a decision and worried it’s “wrong,” ask yourself: “If there were no wrong answers, what would I want to do?”

That’s where you find your next step.

Keep Your Career on Track—Your Way

When you:

• Make intentional decisions
• Process emotions instead of suppressing them
• Take action instead of waiting for someone else to decide for you

...you stay in control of your career—even in uncertain times.

You’re not stuck. You’re not helpless. You’re in charge. And the more you practice these strategies, the stronger and more resilient your career becomes—no matter what change comes next.

Join me for the 3-Day BioPharma Career Move Challenge to Get Unstuck in Your Career—designed specifically for women in Pharma and Biotech here: www.yourworthycareer.com/challenge

Melissa Lawrence is a former talent leader in Pharma and the Founder of Your Worthy Career. She is a Career and Leadership Coach that helps women in Pharma/Biotech identify their next best role, get a new job or promotion, and be a stand out leader. To learn more about working with Melissa, check out her website and connect with her on LinkedIn.