If you’ve recently been laid off, take a breath. This is a painful and disorienting moment, and it’s okay to feel everything that’s coming up: shock, fear, sadness, anger, confusion. I’ve been there, and so have many people in my circle. And if no one has said this to you yet: your layoff does not define you. Your skills, your worth, and your future are still very much intact.
This article is for anyone who’s sitting in that uncomfortable place right now, wondering, “What do I even do next?”
Let’s walk through it together.
1. First, Give Yourself Permission to Grieve
A layoff is a form of loss. Not just a paycheck, but a community, a routine, a sense of purpose. So, if you’re feeling disoriented or overwhelmed, that’s normal. Don’t rush to “fix it” immediately. Let yourself process.
- Cry if you need to.
- Journal.
- Go for long walks.
- Talk to people you trust.
This isn’t weakness. It’s how you clear the fog so you can start seeing the road ahead.
2. It’s Not Personal Even When It Feels Personal
This is one of the hardest things to accept. You could be a top performer and still be impacted by budget cuts, restructuring, or market shifts that are entirely outside your control.
Your layoff says nothing about your talent, work ethic, or value. The company made a business decision, not a judgment on your worth as a professional or human being.
3. Stabilize Your Foundation
Before jumping into the job hunt, focus on your basic needs:
- Understand your severance. Review the documents carefully. Ask questions if anything is unclear.
- File for unemployment benefits. In most places, the process is straightforward and can be completed online.
- Review your health insurance options. Look into COBRA, the public exchange, or a partner’s plan.
- Audit your finances. What are your must-pay expenses? Where can you cut back temporarily? This gives you a sense of how much breathing room you have.
4. Tap Into Your Network: More People Want to Help Than You Think
Most jobs don’t come from cold applications. They come from conversations.
- Post on LinkedIn. You don’t have to write a perfect post. A simple note sharing that you’re looking, the type of role you want, and a little about your background works.
- Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, classmates, and friends. Many people have been through layoffs and get it. They will open doors, offer advice, or simply remind you that you’re not alone.
- Join professional communities. There are Slack groups, Discord channels, and local meetups in every field. You never know who might know someone.
5. Rediscover Your Direction (Even If You Feel Lost Right Now)
Sometimes, a layoff is the forced pause that makes you ask:
- Is it time to change industries?
- Do I want to stay in the same role, or explore something new?
- What parts of my last job did I love? What do I never want to do again?
It’s okay if the answers aren’t clear right away. But asking these questions now helps make sure your next move isn’t just any job, it’s the right one.
6. Update Your Story
When you’re ready, start updating the basics:
- Resume: Focus on your impact, not just responsibilities, but results.
- LinkedIn: Update your headline to reflect what you’re looking for (“Product Manager | Open to Opportunities in Healthcare Tech”) and your About section to tell your story.
- Portfolio (if relevant): Make sure it’s current.
- Your Pitch: Practice how you’ll answer “Tell me about yourself” or “Why are you looking now?” in a way that feels confident, not apologetic.
7. Apply, but Don’t Let It Consume You
Job searching is a job, but it shouldn’t be 10 hours a day. Mix it up:
- Apply to jobs.
- Reach out to connections.
- Work on a skill, certification, or project.
- Rest, too. Burnout during a job search is real.
8. Rebuild Your Confidence (Because It Will Take a Hit)
Even knowing it’s not personal, layoffs mess with your confidence. Combat that by:
- Writing a list of every accomplishment you’re proud of (THIS IS A MUST!)
- Asking past coworkers for LinkedIn recommendations.
- Reminding yourself daily: “My job does not define my worth.”
9. Remember: This Is Temporary
It feels endless now, but it won’t be forever. You will work again. You will find your footing again. And many people truly look back on a layoff as the turning point that led to something better (I am one of them).
10. A Final Note
If no one has told you this yet: You are capable. You are valuable. You are needed.
This layoff is not the end of your story. It’s the start of your next chapter, and you get to help write it.
Note: You might also find my Forbes article on Crucial Insights To Accelerate Your Career helpful during this time.
