Being laid off is never easy. The emotional and physical toll can include anxiety, anger, fatigue, headaches, and nausea, according to Stanford University. However, managing the aftermath effectively is crucial. Certified executive coach Kelly Ling advises, "Take a deep breath. Layoffs are becoming the 'norm' for how a job ends, and many employees find a more fitting role after a layoff." The Independent consulted multiple career and HR experts to compile four essential strategies for navigating a layoff.
Day One Must-Dos
It is difficult to think clearly immediately after a layoff, but certain actions are critical. Rob Tillman, founder of career consultancy Unignorable, recommends writing down all skills, experiences, and accomplishments from your tenure. "The further you move away from the job, the less clear all these will be," he says. "Be very detailed." This documentation strengthens your resume and interview performance. Caroline Vernon, vice president of coaching and development at INTOO, adds that surfacing these details helps determine your best next step toward a more fulfilling role.
Next, gather professional documentation such as resumes, performance reviews, and awards. If you have lost access, request copies from human resources, advises Don Pippin, a career strategist at area|Talent. Then, carefully review your severance package, including career transition services, COBRA options, final paycheck, paid-time-off payouts, and unemployment assistance. Career advice strategist Mark Anthony Dyson suggests, "Try to buy time to review separation packages or agreements, so you're clear on what they will and won't offer." Avoid signing anything that prevents reporting illegal activity if you plan legal action. Finally, resist the urge to apply to dozens of jobs immediately. Pippin warns that "panic applying" leads to mistakes and burns opportunities for first impressions.
Grieving Season
Allow yourself to grieve the job loss and lean on family and friends. Nicki Perchik, owner of The NLP Group, explains, "Know that it's a grieving process, and you'll go through all the stages. Surround yourself with people who love you and will support you." A supportive community helps guide future decisions. Vernon emphasizes finding people who lift you up, give hope, and hold you accountable. Amid grief, engage in activities you love. Trevor Houston, CEO of ClearPath Wealth Strategies, encourages focusing on mental and emotional well-being through exercise, walks, learning new skills, or spending time with good people.
Job loss can isolate employees and disrupt routines. Jay Marotti, senior managing partner at Vertical Media Solutions, advises protecting routines and mental health. "Job loss will affect anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction. Don't view the emotional side as weakness."
Keep It Classy
While venting frustrations to bosses, co-workers, or on LinkedIn may seem therapeutic, avoid it at all costs. Houston notes that burning bridges can hurt future opportunities. "The world is a lot smaller than most people realize." Additionally, publicizing a layoff too soon often results in unpolished messaging. Jan Hendrik von Ahlen, managing director of JobLeads, recommends waiting 48 to 72 hours before posting on LinkedIn. "Emotional writing rarely matches what you'd write once emotions have calmed," he says. Ensure your LinkedIn profile is as polished as possible.
Find Out What You Truly Want
A layoff can be an opportunity to rethink your career path. Alisia Gill, career coach at Era of Enough, suggests self-reflection through four questions: How did you really feel about the job you lost? What was working for you? What did you wish would change? Were you considering something different? "You're not just looking for any job," she says. "You have criteria, needs, and requirements. Consider what matters most as you target opportunities."
Executive coach Shayna Bergman advises examining past successes to build confidence. "Anyone who's just been laid off will naturally question their value. Look back at times you've been successful. Notice what made you successful and aware of your value." Vernon adds that employees often need help realizing their value extends beyond the role. "Remember the problems you solved, the results you created, and the work environments where you do your best work. Surfacing these helps you land a more fulfilling role."
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