What to Do When Laid Off. Your Guide to recovering and moving forward
Being laid off can feel overwhelming but knowing what to do when laid off matters more than you might think. It’s not just about finding another job—it’s about rebuilding confidence, setting priorities, and mapping your next move. In this post you will understand the real impact layoffs have, learn immediate steps to take, gain coping and momentum strategies and explore how layoffs can sometimes open doors to new directions.
Understanding Layoffs and How They Impact You
Layoffs are not just about job loss—they affect income, identity, routines, and mental health. Recent trends show many layoffs are strategic (e.g. cost-cutting, shifts due to AI, economic pressure) rather than purely performance based. (E.g. The Interview Guys note layoffs used as business adjustments rather than reflections of individual work. )
Recognizing that the layoff may not be personal helps you frame your recovery more constructively. Also knowing the kind of severance or benefits your employer offers, understanding your rights (if any) in your region, and whether you have unemployment or other support, all shape what your next choices look like.
Recognizing that the layoff may not be personal helps you frame your recovery more constructively. Also knowing the kind of severance or benefits your employer offers, understanding your rights (if any) in your region, and whether you have unemployment or other support, all shape what your next choices look like.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Layoff
These are things you can do right away:
- Review your finances: figure out how long savings, severance, unemployment cover, adjust budget
- Update your resume, LinkedIn profile, and portfolio highlighting achievements
- Start networking: reach out to past coworkers, mentors, former managers
- Reflect on what you want next: perhaps a similar role, difference in culture, remote work, or pivot
- Use job alerts and matching tools so you don’t miss relevant opportunities
Coping Strategies and Maintaining Momentum During Job Search
Staying active and resilient after a layoff is critical:
- Maintain a regular schedule: job search blocks, skill development, rest time
- Take care of mental health: talk to supportive peers; avoid isolating when discouraged
- Learn new skills or deepen existing ones, especially those in demand
- Set small wins (apply to X jobs, reach out to Y people, complete a course) to keep motivation
- Manage pressure to accept the first offer that comes if it doesn’t align with your goals
Leveraging Layoffs as an Opportunity to Pivot or Upskill
A layoff can feel like a setback but often is a pivot point:
- Assess which industries or roles are more stable or growing
- Explore emerging roles (e.g. remote work roles, AI-adjacent roles, sustainability, etc.)
- Consider short courses, certifications, or online learning to bridge skill gaps
- Re-design your profile to highlight transferable skills and adaptability
Conclusion
Layoffs are tough but not the end of your story. Knowing what to do when laid off—from understanding your situation, acting quickly, staying resilient, and being open to new paths—can make a big difference. Workspace at www.getwork.space is built to help you during this phase: to match you to roles that respect what you bring, connect you to growth opportunities, and offer tools for clarity and momentum. You have the power to shape what comes next. Let’s rebuild stronger.