A Guide to Bouncing Back
So, you’ve been laid off.
First things first—take a deep breath. It’s a tough situation, no doubt, but it’s not the end of your career. In fact, this could be the beginning of a new chapter you didn’t even know you needed. While it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed or even panicked, there are steps you can take to regain control and move forward with confidence.
Here’s what you can do when the unexpected happens:
1. Allow Yourself to Feel—But Don’t Get Stuck
Getting laid off can stir up a bunch of emotions—shock, frustration, anxiety, and maybe even relief. It’s okay to feel all of it. Give yourself time to process, but don’t stay in that emotional space for too long. Allow yourself a few days to regroup before jumping into action. It’s essential to have a clear head before you start making decisions about your next move.
2. Assess Your Financial Situation
One of the immediate concerns after being laid off is finances. Take stock of your current financial situation. How long can you sustain yourself with your savings? If you’re eligible, file for unemployment benefits right away. Look into your health insurance options too, especially if your benefits were tied to your job. It’s not fun to think about, but having a financial game plan will relieve some of the pressure and give you time to focus on your next steps.
3. Update Your Resume and LinkedIn
Now that you’re ready to dive back into the job market, it’s time to refresh your professional profiles. Update your resume with any recent accomplishments, projects, or skills from your previous job. Do the same for your LinkedIn profile, making sure it’s polished and current. There are strong opinions about whether you should turn on the “Open to Work” setting on LinkedIn. Some believe that this actually repels recruiters, while others believe there’s nothing wrong with the setting. If you decide to turn on the Open to Work setting, please consider selecting the option to show only to recruiters. If you don’t choose, then “Open to Work” is placed on your profile picture for all to see.
4. Reach Out to Your Network
Networking is key when job searching, especially after a layoff. Let people in your professional network know you’re looking for new opportunities. You don’t have to announce it with a megaphone, but quietly reaching out to former colleagues, mentors, or even acquaintances can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Most people understand that layoffs happen, and they’ll be happy to lend a helping hand or provide a referral.
5. Take Time to Reflect
While it’s tempting to jump right into a job search, take a moment to reflect on what you really want next. Do you want to stay in the same field or pivot to something new? Was there something about your previous role you didn’t enjoy? Use this time as an opportunity to reassess your career goals. What excites you? What drains you? By getting clear on what you want, you’ll be in a better position to pursue roles that align with your long-term aspirations.
6. Sharpen Your Skills
Consider this a perfect opportunity to boost your skill-set. Whether it’s taking an online course, learning a new tool, or attending webinars in your industry, keeping your skills sharp will make you more competitive in the job market. Plus, it gives you a sense of progress and keeps you in “work mode,” even when you’re between jobs.
7. Be Open to Temporary or Freelance Work
If finding a full-time job takes longer than expected, don’t overlook temporary or freelance opportunities. These can help bridge the gap financially and keep your skills fresh. Plus, you never know where a freelance gig might lead—it could turn into a full-time offer or introduce you to valuable connections.
8. Stay Positive and Persistent
The job search process can be grueling, especially after a layoff. But remember, your job doesn’t define your worth. You’ll get through this. Stay positive, keep putting yourself out there, and trust that the right opportunity will come along. Persistence is key—don’t get discouraged if things take longer than expected.
9. Lean on Your Support System
Don’t forget to reach out to friends and family for support. They can offer emotional encouragement, help you stay motivated, and remind you that this is just a phase, not a permanent situation. Sometimes, simply talking it out can give you the boost you need to stay focused and keep moving forward.
10. Celebrate Small Wins
Whether it’s updating your resume, landing an interview, or learning a new skill, celebrate your progress along the way. These small victories add up and keep your momentum going. Acknowledging your efforts reminds you that you’re taking steps in the right direction, even if the end goal isn’t here yet.
Closing Thoughts
Getting laid off is never easy, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your story. By staying proactive, open to new opportunities, and leaning on your support system, you can turn this setback into a setup for something even better. Take it one day at a time, trust the process, and remember—your next career move could be the best one yet.
