What to Do After a Layoff?
It's a grim topic, but the past few weeks have seen alarming layoff announcements from corporate giants. Procter & Gamble plans to eliminate 7,000 positions over the next two years, Microsoft disclosed 6,000 job cuts, Walmart announced 1,500 reductions and the list continues. This trend mirrors wider economic challenges: escalating costs, softening demand, and companies restructuring amid market uncertainty.
Here's your first-aid kit if you're affected.
1. Allow Yourself to Process the Layoff
It’s completely natural (and very important) to take time to sit with your feelings. Maybe you feel angry: at your employer, at the situation, or even at yourself. Maybe you feel rejected or abandoned, as if you weren’t good enough. Or perhaps you’re numb, confused, or just exhausted from the uncertainty.
Cry, scream into a pillow, binge-watch your favorite show, or simply stare at the ceiling. Trying to rush past the grief or frustration usually backfires, leaving you restless, anxious, or burned out sooner than expected. Some people bounce back quickly; others take weeks. Your timeline is yours alone.
2. Deal with the Paperwork and Understand Your Benefits
Once you’ve had a moment to process, gather all the paperwork related to your layoff:
Don’t hesitate to ask HR questions. Clarify anything confusing. Getting your ducks in a row early will save headaches later.
3. Reach Out to Your Network
It’s tempting to go dark, but your network can be your biggest asset right now. Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, or friends for advice, job leads, or even just moral support.
A simple message like, “Hey, I was recently laid off. If you hear of any opportunities or have time to chat, I’d really appreciate it,” can open doors. You’ve probably seen LinkedIn posts with ‘Open to Work’ banners; people sharing their situations and receiving hundreds of likes, shares, and reposts. Others understand how easily layoffs happen and often want to help.
Just avoid spamming people with desperate requests, keep it casual and genuine.
4. Update Your Resume, LinkedIn, and Portfolio
Your resume should be fresh and tailored to the roles you’re targeting. The same goes for LinkedIn:
If you have a portfolio or personal website, update that too. Even if you’re unsure about your next step, having these ready will make you feel more empowered.
5. Create a Plan
Lying around angry or doing nothing should be a phase, NOT your new lifestyle. Once you’ve processed the layoff, start thinking about what’s next. A plan can help you regain a sense of control in uncertain times.
Start small. You don’t need to have your entire future figured out overnight. Set manageable daily or weekly goals, such as:
Break the big “get a new job” goal into smaller, less intimidating steps. A checklist gives you a sense of progress and purpose.
Your plan doesn’t have to be rigid. It’s okay to adjust as you learn more about opportunities or your own priorities. The key is to focus your energy on forward motion rather than staying stuck in frustration or fear.
And remember: Planning isn’t just about job hunting. Schedule time for self-care, exercise, and activities that bring you joy.
6. Brace Yourself for the Journey
The job market is tough right now, and finding the right role may take time. This isn’t meant to discourage you, just to prepare you mentally. Job hunting is often a marathon, not a sprint.
You might face rejections, long waits between interviews, or roles that don’t quite match your expectations. That’s normal. Stay patient and persistent without letting setbacks shake your confidence.
Lean on your support system when things get tough. Talk to friends, family, or mentors. Sharing your experiences helps you process the ups and downs and keeps your motivation alive.
Wrapping Up
Losing your job can be one of the most destabilizing experiences in professional life. It's natural to question your skills and worth during this time. But here's what's true: your value isn't defined by a layoff decision that likely had nothing to do with your actual performance.
Focus on what you can control: improving your skills, expanding your network, and staying open to new possibilities. Detours are okay. After all, many successful careers have unexpected twists.
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