Carlos knew something was off.
His manager started canceling one-on-ones. Projects slowed. Whispers of restructuring floated through Slack. Then, one Tuesday, HR called a “quick check-in” with no agenda. His gut dropped.
By Friday, it was official. He and 60 others were let go in what the company described as a “strategic pivot.”
Carlos had two choices: spin in panic, or take a breath, make a plan, and move forward with intention.
If you’re in Carlos’s shoes, you’re not alone. Whether you’ve already been laid off or suspect it’s coming, here’s how to regain your footing and take action that positions you for a strong rebound.
1. Don’t panic. Pause.
First things first: take a breath.
Layoffs are rarely personal. Companies restructure. Budgets shrink. Leadership changes. Most of the time, it has nothing to do with your performance and everything to do with things far beyond your control.
Your brain may start spinning with fear-based narratives. That’s normal. Just don’t let them drive the bus.
Instead, ask yourself, “What do I need to do today to take care of myself and lay a foundation for what comes next?”
Maybe it’s a walk. Maybe it’s venting with a friend. Maybe it’s giving yourself a day to reset. That’s all valid.
Start with care. Then move to strategy.
2. Secure your runway
If you’ve already been laid off:
- Review your severance package. You do not have to sign it on the spot. You may be able to negotiate. Consider asking for more time to review it or consulting an employment lawyer.
- Apply for unemployment benefits as soon as possible. Processing takes time.
- Figure out your health insurance options. Look into COBRA, your partner’s plan, or Affordable Care Act plans. Pro tip: Check out “health share” plans, like Zion. They are pretty great and far less expensive than COBRA. I used them for years as a freelancer and appreciated their customer service.
If you think a layoff might be coming:
- Update your resume and LinkedIn profile right now. Don’t wait. Future-you will be grateful.
- Save copies of performance reviews, job descriptions, and work samples if it is ethical and permitted. These will help when tailoring your job search documents.
- Start budgeting immediately. Trim expenses and calculate how long your savings will last. Having a plan reduces anxiety.
Preparing for a potential layoff does not mean you are being negative. It means you are being smart.
3. Treat your job search like a job
Job searching in today’s market is not easy. It takes effort, structure, and strategy.
Here is how to stay competitive:
- Tailor your resume for each job. Use the job description like a recipe. Focus on the skills and results that matter most for the role.
- Create multiple versions of your resume for different types of roles you want to pursue. This saves time down the road.
- Get active on LinkedIn. Follow your target companies. Comment on posts by people you admire. Your next opportunity may come from a comment, not a cold application.
- Reach out to people at companies you’re interested in. Don’t just ask for a job. Start with curiosity or a thoughtful compliment. Send a video of how you might solve one of their problems. Build a real relationship first.
- Practice your story. You will get asked about the layoff. Keep it simple and positive. “My department was impacted by a company-wide restructure. I’m excited to bring my skills to a company focused on X.”
Treat your search like a project. Create a schedule. Track your progress. Celebrate small wins.
4. Strengthen your mindset
Losing your job can feel like losing your identity. But your title was never your worth.
You are still the same capable, hard-working person you were before. Actually, you are more resilient now.
This is your opportunity to:
- Reassess what you want. What kind of work lights you up? What kind of workplace energizes you?
- Upskill. Take a course. Watch tutorials. Get certified. Volunteer. Show that you are adaptable and growing.
- Expand your circle. The more people you know, the more opportunities will come your way. The average person stays at a company for about two years. The connections you make today could be critical two years from now.
Invest in your mindset like you would invest in a tool that helps you get the job done. You will need it.
5. Be careful about accepting just any job
I get it. Money matters. Sometimes you need to take something quickly.
But be honest about what the job is. Is it a stepping stone or a panic grab? If it is the latter, you may find yourself right back on the market and even more drained.
If you need a bridge job, make sure it supports your longer-term goals. And if you take one, keep networking, learning, and building momentum for the role you actually want.
Your dream job might take longer to land, but it is still out there. And yes, it is worth the wait.
Build your network before you need it
Start now. Not when you are desperate.
Pick three companies you would love to work for. Look up five people at each company. Comment on their posts. Ask questions. Offer insights. Compliment their ideas.
Build rapport slowly and genuinely. Then, when a job opens, they will already know your name.
This is how you plant seeds that grow into opportunities. This is how you stop relying on luck and start building your own pipeline.
You’ve got this
Layoffs hurt. But they don’t get the final say in your story.
I’ve helped thousands of job seekers navigate this moment. The ones who come out ahead are the ones who take action with intention.
And if you want support along the way, I’m here for that.
Visit kyladuffy.com for coaching, resume reviews, and clarity calls. Let’s build your strategy together.
The next chapter of your career is waiting. Let’s make it count.
