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Got Laid Off? Here’s What To Do Next


No one likes being laid off. And it always seems to happen at the worst time, like when you’re financially strapped. You might experience feelings of rejection or inadequacy.




Well, you’re not alone. Being laid off is lonely and frustrating. But don’t let it destroy your self-conf idence. You can bounce back – and be stronger than ever. Just remember, it’s not as much about finding a new job as it is about handling the emotions of being let go. And just so you know – the people keeping their jobs are running high on different emotions, too.

The survivors

There are the “survivors” or those that were not laid off and the company’s reputation– both of which hurt the company. Layoffs send the message that the company is having some sort of financial crisis and that it needs to cut costs; as a result, they can undermine customer loyalty and trust. Customers can become concerned that the company will not be able to meet demand so they’ll search for alternatives to deliver what they need.

To the employees that were not laid off, layoffs signal a similar fear, though they’re impacted differently. According to research, employee layoffs stifle creativity and communication within the company. When layoffs are announced, it increases stress, burnout, and insecurity among employees. Layoffs tend to increase turnover as remaining employees jump ship “just in case” they’re next.

When a company staggers layoffs, each time it announces new layoffs, it brings all of these emotions to the surface all over again for the remaining employees. With each layoff announcement it undermines employee confidence. Layoffs – especially when employees are told their jobs are secure – further undermines employer/employee trust. One of the most important feelings for employee engagement and growth is emotional safety. This allows for creativity, speaking up and progress in general. When layoffs are on the horizon, this sort of emotional safety goes out the window. If you were laid off, you may be experiencing confusion, chaos, and feelings of scarcity. Those are not unrealistic feelings. There’s no shame in being laid off but there are a few things you can do to protect yourself. And one of those you need to do before you have your last day at your old job – get a layoff letter. A layoff letter will do a lot for you. It should explain your benefit options, pay, last day of work, and what is and is not company property, including intellectual property. It also serves as “proof” you were laid off instead of terminated. That could influence future employment.

Aside from your layoff letter, here are five best practices to handle being laid off.

  • Leave with dignity.

You’re being laid off and that stinks! But there’s no reason to get mad about it or give your boss a piece of your mind. Remember, your direct supervisor likely had nothing to do with you being laid off. Most importantly, you never know how people will move around in the future – you could be working for your boss or another coworker at a new job.




So, instead of leaving angry, thank your employer and your boss for the opportunity to have worked at the company. Say goodbye to your coworkers. And hold your head high.

  • Register for unemployment.


Don’t waste any time before registering for unemployment. Many states have mandatory waiting periods, so you want to get the clock ticking. If you end up not needing unemployment, that’s OK. But nothing is worse than needing money and having to wait to receive it.

  • Feel what you’re feeling.

Now is not the time to stuff your feelings. You’re much better off going through them as they come up. Stuffing your emotions will only create more stress at an already stressful time. Several studies have shown that surprising your emotions negatively affects your body.



A Harvard study showed that people who bottle their emotions had an increased risk of premature death. Make an appointment to talk to a professional. Again, there’s no shame in being laid off.

  • Take your time.

Assess your finances to determine exactly how much time you can take off. Create a budget to ensure you live below your means. During this time, self-reflect on where you were in your career to determine if you want to make changes in your career path. Revamp your resume and give yourself a social media makeover. Give yourself a little bit of time to get your feet on the ground. If you want to go on vacation and can afford it, now’s the time to go! When you start a new job you won’t be able to kick off your shoes and head for the Bahamas.



  • Get to work.

When you’re ready, begin a concentrated job search. Reach out to your network and let them know you’re looking for work and the type of work. Conduct informational interviews with employees in the field where you’re hoping to find work. Use LinkedIn and other social sites to learn more about the companies you want to work for. And make sure you tailor your resume and cover letter for the positions you’re applying for.



Remember, it’s not the end of the world … even if it seems like it. In fact, being laid off can lead to incredible opportunities. Sometimes it’s just the kick in the pants to start a new venture, change career paths, or step in salary (yep! often changing jobs equates to larger salaries).

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