Sep 25, 2025
A layoff is an involuntary job loss caused by business decisions beyond an employee’s control – for example, budget cuts, company restructuring, or declining sales. Unlike being fired for performance issues, a layoff reflects the company’s needs, not the employee’s work.
Being laid off is an “involuntary termination due to a business decision” and typically comes with a severance package or outplacement support to help you find a new role.
In other words, layoffs are a routine part of the business cycle, not a personal failure. Knowing this difference is important: layoffs are usually not held against the employee in future job searches.
Layoffs have become increasingly common in many industries. For example, tech giants have cut 100,000+ jobs in 2024. When companies across sectors (tech, finance, retail, etc.) announce layoffs, many workers worry about their own positions. Whether or not you’re immediately affected, it’s smart to understand what layoffs mean and how to prepare. This guide explains what a layoff is, the risks it poses, and – most importantly – what you as an employee can do before and after a layoff to stay safe, secure, and healthy.
The Dangers of Layoffs:
Layoffs affect everyone – the people who lose their jobs and those who stay behind. For the person laid off, the consequences can be severe. Losing a job disrupts one’s income, benefits, and financial stability, often leading to significant stress and uncertainty. In fact, one analysis found that being laid off can increase mortality risk by 15–20% over the next 20 years – a stark statistic showing the heavy emotional and health toll. Job loss can feel like losing an identity and security blanket; even in supportive severance situations, it’s normal to feel shock, sadness, anger, or anxiety (and sometimes even relief) as you process the change. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and give yourself time to grieve and adjust.
Those who remain at the company (the survivors) also face hidden dangers. Work suddenly shifts: tasks of departed colleagues often fall on remaining staff, increasing workloads and risk of burnout. Studies show that after layoffs, productivity among survivors can drop by up to 20%. The atmosphere may become tense and morale can plummet: one survey found 71% of remaining employees report declining motivation after layoffs. Trust in management suffers too – one report noted nearly 47% of staff felt loyalty erode once peers were cut. In short, even if you keep your job, layoffs around you create uncertainty and stress that can impact your mental health and work engagement.
Moreover, layoffs can harm the company itself long-term. Short-term savings often give way to hidden costs: loss of institutional knowledge, damaged company reputation, and difficulties recruiting talent in the future. For example, firms that downsize frequently see no gain in profits. Potential hires become wary of joining companies known for frequent cuts – as one author put it, “Would you board a plane that’s been randomly ejecting passengers mid-flight?”.
In sum, layoffs are not risk-free. They may address immediate budget pressures, but they carry emotional, financial, and productivity dangers for both individuals and organizations. Understanding these dangers underscores why preparing and responding properly is so important.
What You Should Do Before and After Layoff
Before Layoff
While no one can fully guarantee job security, you can take steps now to make yourself less likely to be cut. Staying relevant and visible in your company is your best insurance.
Keep your skills current and versatile. Continuously update your expertise. Industry trends change fast, and employers value employees who evolve with them. One guide advises: “It’s crucial to stay up-to-date on your industry... staying current on industry news and trends will make you more valuable to your employer and less likely to be replaced”. For example, if you’re in marketing, learning digital analytics or social media tools can complement your existing skills. If you’re an engineer, new programming languages or certifications (cloud, AI, cybersecurity) can multiply your value. In short, diversifying your skill set makes you more indispensable. As career experts note, “diversification of your skill sets is extremely important” in today’s job market.
Be proactive and adaptable. Pay attention to your organization’s health. Watch for warning signs (like project cancellations or budget freezes). But more importantly, think ahead: learn new tools or take on projects in emerging areas so that you’re not easily made redundant. Managers remember those who step up in a pinch. For instance, if someone in your team goes on leave, volunteer to cover some tasks. Offer to learn new responsibilities or help a struggling project. These actions show initiative and flexibility. One tip is to treat your job like a small business you own: build a “brand” by taking on cross-functional roles, helping colleagues, and contributing to new revenue streams.
Maintain excellent performance and attitude. When companies make cuts, they often trim bottom performers and leave the “A players.” Beyond meeting your goals, focus on positive attitude and teamwork. Building strong relationships with coworkers and bosses can help keep your job. In tough times, a positive, can-do employee stands out. Look for ways to help others rather than withdraw, and celebrate team successes even in uncertainty. Also, leadership usually dislikes letting go of high-potential or well-liked people, so being a high performer and team player works in your favor.
Network internally and externally. Keep in touch with colleagues across departments, not just your immediate team. Help foster their success as well as your own. Internally, strong relationships might give you a heads-up about upcoming changes and make you a go-to person, rather than someone seen as replaceable. Externally, maintain connections outside work too. If you ever do face a layoff, a robust professional network is your safety net. (We’ll talk more about networking in the next section.)
In short, think of your career like a plant: it needs continual watering and adaptation. By staying skilled, positive, and connected, you improve your chances of keeping your job even if layoffs occur around you.
Even while comfortably employed, keep your resume and profiles up-to-date. When you’re busy, it’s easy to put this off – but disaster can strike anytime. Investing a bit of time now will pay off if you ever need it.
Refresh your resume. Include your latest projects, skills, and achievements. If HR updates your formal job description, request a copy to ensure nothing is missed. Tailor the language to keywords in your industry. For example, if you recently ran a successful marketing campaign, quantify it (“Led a social ad campaign boosting conversions 35%”). (If you do get laid off, avoid using the term “fired” on applications. “Laid off” is correct and avoids implying poor performance.)
Update LinkedIn and social profiles. Your online presence should reflect your current role and expertise. Add any new certifications, skills, or awards. Craft a clear, concise headline (e.g., “Data Analyst | SQL, Python, Data Visualization”). If you have privacy concerns, you can pause updates, but consider the power of letting your network see you’re involved and learning. After all, recruiters often search LinkedIn first. The Jumbl guide suggests updating profiles on LinkedIn and other job boards, and even sharing your status as being open to opportunities.
Build a personal brand. Engage with your field online. Post insights, comment on industry news, or publish short articles. Over time, this shows others you’re knowledgeable and motivated. A strong profile helps when companies search for candidates or when colleagues think of who to recommend.
Read Also: Do's and Don'ts of Resume
Having an updated resume and a polished online presence means you can quickly apply to new roles if needed. Even if you never change jobs, this makes you prepared and reduces stress.
Networking isn’t just for job seekers – it’s a career-long habit. Establishing and maintaining relationships with colleagues, alumni, mentors, and industry peers is invaluable before, during, and after layoffs.
Stay in touch proactively. Regularly talk with former coworkers, industry contacts, and friends about your work. Have coffee chats or attend virtual meetups. According to Investopedia, you should be networking “whether you are gainfully employed or newly laid off”. The famous adage is true: “It’s not what you know, it’s whom you know.” A casual conversation or social media interaction today could turn into a job referral tomorrow.
Offer value to your network. Networking isn’t just asking for help; it’s mutual support. Share interesting articles or job postings with contacts. Congratulate peers on achievements and engage with their work. This goodwill pays off – people remember those who helped them and are more willing to return the favor.
Don’t wait for bad news to connect. If rumors swirl of a downsizing in your company, start reaching out. Let people know you’re always interested in exciting roles in the industry. That way, if you do lose your job, your network isn’t hearing it for the first time. A laid-off colleague with an established network will likely hear about job leads sooner.
Internal networking. Within your company, maintain good relationships with managers and HR. Let them know you’re eager to learn new things and help other projects if current workloads change. The Monitask guide points out that employees with strong ties to leadership are often “more likely to be kept on” during cuts. At the very least, being well-liked internally usually means your name won’t be in the first round of layoffs.
Remember: networking is about people. Be genuine and kind. It can protect you from isolation later. If layoffs happen, a strong network means you’ll find support and information faster – perhaps hearing about openings before they’re publicly posted.
One way to “layoff-proof” yourself is to continually learn new things. Industries and technologies evolve rapidly; what was cutting-edge last year might be obsolete now. Staying static is risky.
Identify skill gaps. Periodically take stock of what you know versus what your field is demanding. Career advisors suggest performing a “stocktake”: list your current technical skills, soft skills, and experiences, then compare to job postings or trends. Where do employers seem to be focusing? For example, in finance they might seek expertise in fintech or ESG reporting; in tech, knowledge of cloud services or cybersecurity is hot. Spot the gaps and make a plan to fill them.
Pursue learning opportunities. Enroll in courses, earn certifications, or get an advanced degree – whichever fits your goals. Choose carefully: as career Experts point out, skills have a short “half-life” of about five years these days, so make sure what you learn is immediately relevant. A quick online class on a specific tool (say, AWS cloud fundamentals) can be more valuable than a generic one. Even free webinars or podcasts on industry topics can guide you to what’s next.
Take on new challenges. You don’t always need formal training. Offer to work on cross-department projects at work, volunteer for special assignments, or do freelance/contract work on the side. Contract or project work in new areas boosts your CV and teaches new skills on the job. For instance, if a startup needs help building a website and you’ve only done marketing, learning some basic web development to assist could open new doors.
Keep it purposeful. “Upskill with a purpose,” advises Jumbl expert. Don’t just chase shiny certificates – align your learning with clear career goals. That could mean aiming for a promotion that requires management skills, or moving to a new field with higher demand. Decide where you want to be in 1–2 years and work backwards.
The bottom line: regularly sharpening and broadening your expertise makes you a stronger candidate for your current job and any future roles. In the event of industry changes or layoffs, that ongoing growth is what lets you pivot and seize opportunities – rather than being left behind.
A key aspect of preparation is money. If layoffs loom, or just as a safety net, ensure your finances are ready to absorb a shock.
Emergency fund. Financial experts agree it’s wise to save 3–6 months’ worth of living expenses in an emergency account. This fund is for precisely the “just-in-case” scenarios – job loss included. If you don’t have that much saved yet, start now: even a few hundred dollars saved per month can add up. Keep this money easily accessible (like in a high-yield savings account) rather than locked away in long-term investments.
Review your savings and budget. Know exactly how much you have in the bank. Craft a budget that covers essentials only. As AP News advises, when a layoff happens you must “treat every dollar with more attention”. List fixed costs (rent, utilities, insurance) and trim any nonessential expenses (streaming services, dining out, subscriptions, etc.). Consider temporarily pausing or canceling discretionary spending. The goal is to stretch your savings as far as possible if income stops.
Avoid new debt. It can be tempting to rely on credit cards when paychecks vanish, but this is a last resort. High interest can sink your budget later. Cut costs instead. The AP article warns that relying on credit can become “an anchor” if job finding takes longer than expected. Only use credit cards for true emergencies, and continue making at least minimum payments to preserve your credit score.
Understand severance and unemployment. Many companies offer severance pay and/or benefits continuation for laid-off employees. Find out your company’s policy before layoffs hit if possible. If layoffs are announced, make sure to negotiate or at least clarify your severance package (more on that below). Also familiarize yourself with unemployment insurance rules: in the U.S., each state runs its own program, but generally you can collect some weekly benefit if laid off through no fault of your own. Apply as soon as possible after separation. This money won’t replace your salary, but it helps cover some costs while you search for a new job.
Overall, the more savings and insurance you have lined up before a layoff, the more time and freedom you’ll have to look for a good next role, rather than having to grab the first offer out of desperation.
After Layoff
If you do get laid off, act quickly but calmly. Many practical actions done early can ease your transition.
Ask for documentation. Request a formal letter from HR stating you were laid off. This is important for unemployment claims. If not provided, writing a polite email thanking them and summarizing the layoff conversation can serve as proof later.
Review your severance package. If offered, carefully read any severance agreement or separation letter. It may detail pay continuation, benefits duration, or release of claims. If you have questions, ask HR or legal counsel. Don’t sign anything you don’t understand. As Investopedia notes, many companies will offer some severance pay, and it never hurts to try negotiating extra pay or extended benefits. For example, you might negotiate for an extra week of pay for each year of service, or having health insurance premiums covered longer.
Negotiate for the best outcome. Even in a layoff, negotiation is appropriate. If a severance offer was mentioned, approach your manager or HR and say you’re reviewing it. Ask if they can extend the length or add continued healthcare coverage. You can also request outplacement assistance (resume workshops, career coaching, etc.) as part of severance; these services can be invaluable in finding a new job. Investopedia specifically suggests that, in a negotiation, “some items to negotiate for: extra severance, health insurance coverage, outplacement assistance”. Many employers expect some discussion here.
Check accrued benefits. Ensure you’re paid for any unused vacation, sick days, or bonuses due. These should be spelled out in your final paycheck or severance.
File for unemployment benefits. In the U.S., unemployment insurance is designed for situations just like this. Apply online or via phone for your state’s program promptly. It can take a few weeks to start, so the sooner the better. Even if you think a claim will be small (especially if your state benefits are limited), it provides some cash and often continues until you land a job.
Continue your health coverage. Losing employer-sponsored health insurance is a major worry. Ask about COBRA (the law that lets you keep your plan for a limited period at your own cost). Generally, you have about 60 days to elect it, so do that early if you need it. Compare COBRA with other options (spouse’s plan, marketplace insurance, etc.) to see which makes financial sense. Often, your severance might pay for a few months of COBRA.
Taking these practical steps right after a layoff will give you clarity on your finances and benefits. It’s easy to be overwhelmed, so consider making a checklist and tackling one thing at a time. Above all, don’t panic. Many people rebound from layoffs stronger, and as Investopedia reminds us, one key step is to take deep breaths and set up a schedule for yourself.
With your resume updated and accounts of your layoff in hand, begin an organized job search right away. The key is to be strategic: prioritize quality applications and networking rather than aimlessly scouring job boards.
Browse open positions. Actively look for roles that match your skills. Use major job search engines and job referrals platform (LinkedIn, Jumbl, Indeed, Glassdoor, etc.) and set up email alerts for your target titles and locations. A career survival guide recommends, for example, to “browse through platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed to find new career opportunities” and set up alerts for roles you want. Don’t wait for jobs to come to you; spend time each day applying to relevant postings.
Tailor each application. Never send the same resume and cover letter to every job. Instead, for each position, tweak your resume bullet points and summary to highlight the skills and achievements that match the job description. Use keywords from the posting. This small extra effort can greatly improve your chances in automated resume screenings.
Tap into your network. Let people know you are job searching (sensitively and professionally). Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, or industry contacts privately – don’t make a public “I’m laid off” announcement on social media (unless you’re comfortable). A personal message saying “I recently became available and thought of you” can open doors to referrals. Also, attend relevant industry meetups, virtual webinars, or local networking events. A strong presence “out there” can lead to job leads that aren’t advertised. Career coaches advise making your networking personal: share your goals with trusted contacts and ask if they know of any openings.
Leverage recruiters and job fairs. Contact recruiters who specialize in your field and let them know you’re seeking new opportunities. You can also upload your resume to company job portals or large staffing agencies. If there are career fairs or company open houses, participate and speak directly with hiring teams.
Attend to interview skills. Expect to start interviewing within a few weeks. Polish your interviewing techniques in advance. Practice common questions (strengths/weaknesses, scenario-based queries) and prepare a few stories that showcase your skills (STAR format). Good preparation here will help you make a strong impression when opportunities come.
Set small job-search goals. An overwhelming job search can paralyze anyone. Combat this by breaking the process into manageable tasks. For example, aim to submit one to three well-crafted applications per day, or reach out to three contacts weekly. As one advisor notes, “Setting small, achievable goals can help restore a sense of control” after a layoff. Treat each task – resume update, cover letter draft, application submission, informational chat – as a little win. Checking things off your list will give you momentum.
Keep learning on the job hunt. If you find a free evening, take an online course that could strengthen your candidacy – for example, a certification in a key skill or even a refresher on an old skill. Adding a recent learning experience to your resume shows employers you’re proactive.
By combining these job search tactics with your refreshed materials and network support, you’ll maximize your chances of finding a new position efficiently. While it can be disheartening to face rejections or silences, remember to stay persistent. Many people tell success stories of landing even better jobs after a layoff.
Don’t overlook resources meant to ease the transition. Beyond your own savings and budget, several programs can help:
Unemployment Insurance. As mentioned, file your state unemployment claim as early as possible. This replaces a portion of your income during job search. Continue certifying (filing for weeks) as required by your state to keep benefits flowing. Keep an eye on deadlines – missing a weekly claim can pause your payments. Remember, these benefits are there for you since your job loss was involuntary.
COBRA or Health Exchanges. Decide quickly whether to elect COBRA coverage or switch to another plan. Each choice has trade-offs: COBRA means higher premiums (since you’re now paying the whole tab) but keeps the same coverage network, while an ACA marketplace plan may be cheaper but different. Look up deadlines: COBRA elections often must be made within 60 days of separation. Some financial aid programs or Medicaid may also be available depending on your income.
Emergency Assistance Programs. If layoff hits your finances very hard, you may qualify for assistance programs. USA.gov’s benefit finder lists programs for hardship (like energy bill help or food stamps). Local community resources, food banks, or short-term housing aid exist in many areas. The AP News advice reminds us to find community resources during tough times. While these steps may feel humbling, they can give you breathing room while searching for work.
Severance/Consultation. If you negotiated severance or continued health coverage, don’t forget to use them fully. If outplacement or career counseling is offered, sign up for it. Some companies include resume review sessions or employer referrals – take advantage. These services are free to you and are aimed to help you get back on your feet faster. Also Read: How to ask for a job referrals
Knowing and using every available benefit lets you stretch your resources. It reduces the pressure to rush into the first available job and buys time to find the right fit.
A layoff can shake your confidence and well-being. It’s just as important to care for your mental and physical health as it is to tackle practical tasks.
Allow yourself to process. Give yourself a short break (a few days if possible) to absorb the news. The AP recommends doing this: “Take a break to process – Losing your job can cause a lot of stress and financial anxiety, so it’s important that you take time to emotionally process”. Cry if you need to, vent to a friend or write in a journal, but try not to make major decisions (like immediately taking a bad job offer) until you’ve had a day or two to clear your head.
Set a routine. Maintain or create a daily schedule. The structure of a workday disappears with a layoff, which can lead to feeling adrift. As AP advises, “Plan your days so they include eating at your usual time, exercising and applying for jobs for a specific amount of time”. Treat job search time as a job – get up at a normal hour, shower, dress (even if working from home), and allocate hours for searching and networking. Also, schedule breaks: exercise, meals, relaxation, family time. A routine brings normalcy and purpose back into life.
Stay physically active. Exercise is a powerful stress reliever. Even a daily walk or short home workout can help clear your mind and improve your mood. It also keeps you healthy and counteracts the sedentary nature of job hunting. You might use this time to try a new healthy habit (like yoga or cooking nutritious meals) which also fosters a sense of achievement.
Reach out for support. Lean on friends and family. Talk openly about how you’re feeling. You may also consider support groups or counseling; talking with others who’ve been through layoffs can provide empathy and tips (even online forums or LinkedIn groups for job seekers). Sharing your goals and frustrations with trusted people lightens the emotional load. In fact, one guide on layoffs emphasizes the importance of being a good listener and providing compassion to each other – so reciprocate that support with your friends, and they’ll likely do the same for you.
Offer help to others. It may feel counterintuitive, but helping someone else can lift your own spirits. This could be giving a recommendation, forwarding a job posting, or simply checking in on a recently impacted colleague. The act of giving support – being that “listening ear” – has been shown to strengthen social bonds and give a sense of purpose to both giver and receiver. Plus, people remember kindness; helping others can expand your network of supportive contacts.
Keep perspective. Remind yourself that a layoff does not define your worth or skill. One author advises making a list of your non-work qualities (kindness, problem-solving, being a good parent, etc.) to remember that “self-worth is part of your net worth”. Reading stories or watching interviews of people who recovered and thrived after layoffs can also inspire you. Many successful entrepreneurs and professionals have at some point lost a job.
Set small goals and celebrate progress. When overwhelmed by “I need a new job,” break it down. For example: update LinkedIn today, apply to one job tomorrow, reach out to one contact this week. Every completed task – even sending an email or finishing a workout – is a small victory. As noted earlier, “Setting small, achievable goals” helps maintain momentum. Reward yourself for these wins: take a short relaxation or treat yourself to coffee after hitting a goal. These little positives help rebuild confidence and energy.
Mind your health insurance. We mentioned COBRA in benefits, but also manage your health. Try to keep physical check-ups or any necessary prescriptions up-to-date. If stress is high, consider low-cost counseling (some services base fees on income) or employee assistance programs (EAPs) if you had one. Do not neglect your health.
Taking care of yourself is not selfish – it’s strategic. Employers will prefer candidates who are not burned out, and a clear, rested mind searches better. You can only operate at your best when you are healthy and emotionally balanced.
Don’t miss the chance to improve your severance package if one is offered. Many companies have standard severance policies, but you can often do better.
Negotiate politely. Approach your manager or HR with questions about how severance was calculated. You might say, “I appreciate this package, but given my tenure, is there any flexibility on extending this by another week/pay period?” Similarly, if health insurance continuation is short, ask if they can cover it longer. Bring data if possible (e.g., what others got, or legal guidelines). The Investopedia advice is clear: “Do not be afraid to sit down and negotiate some sort of severance package…you could walk away with a little bit of a cushion”. Even if the answer is no, you’ve tried.
Ask for career assistance. Some companies will provide outplacement support (resume reviews, career coaching, job leads) as part of severance. If it’s not automatically offered, request it. As shown in industry guides, outplacement “helps departing employees during their job search by pairing them with coaches, helping them write resumes, and supporting their transition”. This service is often paid for by your employer and can give you an edge. If they can’t offer it, see if they’ll at least give you good references or LinkedIn recommendations.
Document everything. Keep copies of your severance agreement and any communications. If you negotiated anything, have it in writing. This protects you if disputes arise, and it’s good to have records in general (e.g., what was promised for COBRA payment or unused PTO).
Securing a bit more severance now can mean weeks of extra financial breathing room during your job search. It’s worth the effort to try, while remaining professional throughout the process.
While we’ve focused on steps you can take, remember that layoffs can become community events. Whether or not you were let go, the people around you are affected too.
Be supportive to colleagues. If others are laid off, reach out. A quick note or coffee offer says, “I care about you.” Listening to their concerns can be a tremendous help. One perspective on layoffs emphasizes that colleagues can do things like “be a listening ear” or offer help with resumes. If appropriate, share any job leads or useful resources you find. Being generous now builds goodwill and can strengthen your network.
Utilize employee programs. If your company has an EAP (Employee Assistance Program), sign up. These programs often offer confidential counseling, financial advice, or legal consulting at no cost. Even if not laid off, facing a friend’s layoff can be hard on you too; EAP counselors can advise how to navigate your own stress. HR departments may also arrange internal workshops on budgeting or well-being after layoffs – attend if offered.
Outplacement for departing colleagues. If you’re a manager or in leadership, encourage your organization to provide outplacement and counseling services. If you’re an employee with some sway (like senior status or union rep), you can suggest that leadership or HR invest in career transition support for laid-off staff. After all, the long-term morale of those remaining depends on how compassionately layoffs are handled. (Careerminds and other experts note that providing such support improves surviving staff sentiment.)
Lean on community and online groups. There are many groups for job seekers – on LinkedIn, Facebook, Meetup, etc. – where people share job leads and advice. Forums like Reddit’s r/careeradvice or Stack Exchange’s workplace community can provide tips on resume critiques or interview prep. Don’t hesitate to post questions anonymously or openly; just by showing you’re engaged, you’ll often get helpful leads.
Helping others now may seem tangential to your own job search, but it pays back. It reminds you that you’re part of a larger community, and people will often return support in kind.
Amidst so many tasks and emotions, staying organized can prevent overwhelm. Break your plans into actionable steps, and celebrate small wins.
Make a checklist. It could include “Finish resume update,” “File unemployment claim,” “Send note to 3 colleagues,” “Apply to 5 jobs this week,” etc. Each crossed-off item is progress. This list reduces anxiety by making the situation feel manageable.
Prioritize tasks. Immediately focus on time-sensitive items (finances, insurance deadlines, etc.). Then tackle job search daily goals (like the 1–3 job applications/day rule mentioned earlier).
Reward progress. After you complete a goal – even a small one – take a short break. Enjoy a favorite snack, watch an episode of a show, or do a quick walk. Positive reinforcement keeps your morale up.
Track expenses. If you’ve adjusted your budget (as above), keep a simple log of spending. This not only ensures you’re on track financially, but also helps you see exactly how long your savings can last. Having a firm budget can alleviate the anxiety of the unknown.
Stay active. Build some physical or mental activity into your plan each day – exercise, puzzles, reading. These break up the routine and improve resilience.
By setting concrete, achievable targets, you’ll avoid feeling stuck. Remember, the journey after a layoff is a process. You don’t solve everything at once. Setting and meeting small goals keeps you moving forward step by step.
Even after landing a new job, keep the momentum. The job market can shift again, and staying ahead never hurts.
Keep learning. Enroll in a course or workshop related to your field. If you took time off before a job, now is a great time to fill a skill gap. For example, taking a coding bootcamp or a management seminar adds credentials. Even learning through free online platforms (Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, etc.) counts. Research shows that continually developing skills keeps you competitive, and it signals to employers you’re a proactive learner.
Update your resume regularly. Now that you’ve been through a layoff, make it a habit to revisit your resume every few months to add new accomplishments. The Rezi survival guide suggests updating your resume regularly so you can quickly apply to new roles. This practice ensures you never have months of work unrecorded.
Watch industry trends. As you settle into a role, stay alert to economic news or industry changes. If another downturn is brewing in your sector, you'll have early warning and can take precautions (e.g., saving more or networking more intensively).
Build emergency side streams. Consider small side hustles or freelance work aligned with your skills. Even a modest part-time gig or consulting client can provide income and contacts. Just keep it manageable so it doesn’t jeopardize your main job.
Continuous learning and preparation turns any future layoff from a crisis into a challenge you can handle. It also tends to improve your qualifications for promotion or better jobs, creating opportunities rather than fears.
Summary
Layoffs are stressful, but with preparation and the right response, you can weather them and bounce back stronger. Key points for employees facing layoffs:
Understand that a layoff is not a personal failure; it’s a business decision.
Acknowledge the emotional impact and take care of yourself – set up a routine, lean on support, and set small goals to regain control.
Financially prepare by saving aggressively (3–6 months of expenses) and adjusting your budget.
Keep your resume, LinkedIn, and skills sharp at all times.
Network constantly; don’t wait for bad news to start building relationships.
If layoffs occur, ask for documentation, negotiate your severance, file for unemployment, and continue health coverage as needed.
Start searching for a new job immediately by browsing open positions, applying strategically, and using your network.
Take advantage of any outplacement or community resources available.
Throughout, care for your well-being: stay active, seek help, and remind yourself that many people successfully move on from layoffs.
By staying proactive, organized, and resilient, you can turn a layoff into a temporary setback rather than a catastrophe. Remember that each step you take – updating your resume, asking questions, reaching out to contacts, or learning a new skill – is moving you closer to your next opportunity.
