Laid Off - Whats next

 

Getting laid off can be one of the most jarring, unsettling experiences. Whether it was unexpected or you saw it coming, losing a job is never easy. It can shake your confidence, create financial stress, and leave you questioning your next steps.

But here’s the thing: being laid off doesn’t define you. It’s just a chapter — and it might be the perfect time to reinvent your career, take a new direction, or finally pursue something you’ve always wanted to do. So, what should you do next?

Don’t panic. I’m here to walk you through your next steps and show you how to turn this setback into a new opportunity.

Step 1: Take a Deep Breath and Give Yourself Time

The first thing you should do after getting laid off is take a deep breath. It’s okay to feel frustrated, angry, sad, or even confused. It’s a loss, and it’s normal to grieve. But don’t rush into anything. Give yourself a few days to process the news.

• Reflect on what you learned in your previous role and how it helped you grow.

• Talk to people you trust about your experience. It can help to have a conversation with friends or family to sort through your feelings.

• Reassess your goals. Think about what you want next, both professionally and personally. Do you want a similar job, or is this an opportunity to pivot into something else?

Taking time to clear your head will help you approach the next steps with more clarity and confidence.

Step 2: Understand Your Financial Situation and Plan Ahead

After a layoff, your finances will likely be top of mind. While you look for a new job, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your current financial situation.

• Review severance and unemployment benefits: Check to see if your employer offers severance pay or other benefits, and apply for unemployment right away if you’re eligible. Some states offer a special COVID-era unemployment boost, so make sure to check if you're eligible for any additional aid.

• Cut back on unnecessary expenses: If you’ve built up savings, now’s the time to be mindful of your spending. Focus on essentials like rent, utilities, and groceries. You can always take a look at subscriptions or services you don’t use to save a little extra.

• Create a budget: Estimate how long your savings or severance will last and create a budget to make sure you can cover your expenses for the coming months.

Having a clear financial picture will allow you to feel more in control of your situation.

Step 3: Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

Once you’re ready to jump back into the job market, update your resume and LinkedIn profile right away. Your recent role is now a key part of your work history, and you’ll want to ensure both platforms reflect that accurately.

• Highlight your achievements: On your resume and LinkedIn, emphasize your successes and the value you brought to your last company. Use concrete numbers to show your impact (e.g., “Increased sales by 20% in 6 months” or “Led a team of 10 to complete a major project ahead of schedule”).

• Tailor your profiles: Customize your resume and LinkedIn profile to fit the types of roles you want moving forward. If you're considering a career pivot, be sure to focus on transferable skills that could make you a good fit for a new field.

• Request recommendations: If you had a good working relationship with managers or colleagues, ask them to provide recommendations on LinkedIn. These can help you stand out to potential employers.

Step 4: Start Job Hunting — Find the Right Opportunities

Now that your profiles are up-to-date, it’s time to get active in the job market. Here’s how you can jump into the search with the right mindset:

1. Use Job Boards to Your Advantage

Don’t rely on just one job search platform. Tap into multiple job boards to maximize your exposure and find new roles quickly. Here are some great places to start:

• ClickClickJobs.com: Whether you’re looking for full-time, part-time, or remote positions, ClickClickJobs offers a great selection of listings and an easy-to-navigate interface. Set up alerts so you’re notified when new jobs that match your profile are posted. It’s an efficient way to stay updated on the latest opportunities.

• Indeed: This classic job board is a goldmine for job seekers. You can search for jobs based on location, salary, and job type, as well as apply directly through the site. It’s also worth reading company reviews and salary reports on Indeed, so you know what to expect before applying.

• LinkedIn: LinkedIn allows you to network directly with hiring managers and recruiters, in addition to browsing job postings. You can also set alerts for specific job titles or companies you’re interested in.

• Glassdoor: Glassdoor isn’t just for company reviews — it also has thousands of job listings, especially in tech, marketing, finance, and other fields. The salary insights and employee reviews will help you understand if the job and company are a good fit for you.

2. Leverage Your Network

You might not realize it, but your network is an incredibly valuable resource right now. Let people know you’re job hunting. This can be done in a professional and low-pressure way through a LinkedIn post, a casual email to former colleagues, or even a message to close friends.

When you’re laid off, many opportunities come through referrals, so don’t hesitate to ask for introductions or job leads.

• Reach out to former colleagues: They may have connections at companies that are hiring, or they may know of roles that haven’t been posted publicly.

• Reconnect with recruiters: If you’ve worked with recruiters in the past, now’s a great time to let them know you’re available. They can help you get your resume in front of hiring managers faster.

3. Consider Temporary or Freelance Work

If you need to find work immediately, you might want to consider temporary or freelance positions. These roles can provide much-needed income while you continue your job search for a full-time opportunity. Freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr can connect you with short-term projects.

In addition, some companies hire temporary workers and then offer them full-time roles if the job is a good fit.

Step 5: Take Care of Yourself — It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Looking for a new job can be emotionally and physically exhausting, especially if the process stretches on for weeks or months. Taking care of your mental and physical health is crucial during this time.

• Maintain a routine: Set aside specific times for job hunting, exercise, and relaxation. A routine can provide structure and help reduce stress.

• Stay connected: Don’t isolate yourself. Stay in touch with friends and family, and try to engage in activities that bring you joy.

• Celebrate progress: Whether it’s applying to five jobs in one day or landing an informational interview, take time to acknowledge your wins.

Turn This Setback Into an Opportunity

Being laid off is tough, no doubt about it. But it’s also a chance to reassess, learn, and grow. By updating your resume, reaching out to your network, and staying proactive with your job search, you can find a new opportunity that’s even better than your previous role.

Take it one step at a time, stay positive, and remember: you’re in control of what comes next. This could be your opportunity to take your career in a new, exciting direction.