Losing a job, especially when youâve always thought of it as âsecureâ (like a government job), can feel like a real sucker punch to the gut. My heart goes out to all the folks experiencing layoffs right now.
But hereâs the thing. Layoffs happen all the time â and people tend to bounce back way quicker than they initially think. In fact, many folks end up in new, better situations. Although it can be hard to envision that in the middle of layoff turmoil.
You might not see it now, but there are plenty of potential positive outcomes from this negative situation.
Itâs all about the way you respond to setbacks. The actions you take immediately after a layoff determine how fast you bounce back.
So donât let the panic take over. Channel your thoughts and spend your time on things you CAN control.
Hereâs a quick, skimmable list of actionable steps that will help you regain momentum and focus on productive activities to find a new (and hopefully better job!)
1. Take a Deep Breath â Freaking Out Wonât Help
First things first: breathe. Seriously. Everything is going to work out OK.
Feeling upset and scared is natural, so Iâm not saying to ignore those feelings. They are valid!
But dwelling on the unfairness that has been rained down on you wonât help. It just overwhelms you and clouds your judgment.
So hit the mental reset button!
Losing a job doesnât mean itâs the end of your career. Itâs just a shift in direction. Remember, most people who face setbacks end up stronger on the other side.
Try to surround yourself with positive influences. People who encourage you and support you. All that positive energy will unlock fresh ideas and the confidence you will need moving forward.
2. Check in on Your Finances
Before jumping into the job search, take a quick financial inventory.
Do you have an emergency fund? How much is in it? How long can you survive living off your current savings?
It might be scary to look at your bank accounts and face the music. But itâs a really important step to confront your money situation head-on. Knowing this information can give you peace of mind and help you plan without the desperation of needing a job right now.
You might even be able to take a little more time to find the right fit, instead of rushing into something just to make ends meet.
Also, check if you have any severance or unemployment benefits! These can make a meaningful difference in easing your financial stress while you search for new opportunities.
Youâve got more options than you think, but starting with a clear understanding of what your money situation looks like is key.
3. Cut Unnecessary Expenses
This might be the perfect time to scale back your spending and live more frugally.
A temporary âbare bonesâ budget could offer massive emotional and financial wins. The goal is to only spend on your needs and put a hold on buying wants until your income picks back up.
Spending less will give you more breathing room and help reduce the financial pressure that almost everyone experiences in the aftermath of a layoff.
Pause those streaming subscriptions! Make a pledge to avoid eating out! Every little savings win helps.
4. Apply for Unemployment (If Eligible)
Donât wait to get the ball rolling on unemployment benefits. If you’re eligible, apply ASAP.
The process can take time. And youâll want that check (even if itâs just a fraction of what your previous income was) to start coming in as soon as possible.
Plus, many states allow you to backdate your claim. So the sooner you get started, the sooner youâll have some financial relief.
Donât wait around hoping itâll âjust work itself out.â Get the paperwork done now. Youâll feel better moving forward with that piece of the puzzle solved.
5. Tell Your Network
Nowâs the time to lean on your network and start putting feelers out.
Talk to your trusted friends, former colleagues, and make sure your LinkedIn connections know that youâre open to new opportunities.
The power of a network is real â more people are willing to help than you might think.
Oh, and donât be ashamed that you lost your job. Everyone is susceptible to layoffs. Itâs not a reflection of your inherent worth. Thereâs nothing to feel bad about!
The more open and honest you are with your situation, the more your connections will respond by opening up to you in return.
6. Update Your Resume & LinkedIn
LinkedIn is one of the first impressions new people will make when they learn about you. So make your profile shine with all your skills and experience.
Itâs also time to polish that resume! Even if youâve been at the same job for a while, itâs worth updating to highlight your most recent wins and skills.
When showcasing your experience, focus on what youâve accomplished â how youâve helped your team, solved problems, or brought value. Donât just list your duties. Try to make your profile stand out.
The quicker you update your resume, the sooner youâll feel proactive and ready to jump back into the game.
Pro tip: Teal has a cool AI Resume Builder that can help structure, write, and advise on resume best practices.
7. Set a Daily Job Search Routine
Job searching can be a full-time job in itself. So set up a routine and take it seriously.
Reading job descriptions, filling out applications, uploading files etc. are all part of job hunting.
Donât think of it as a numbers game. You donât want to sling resumes indiscriminately. Instead, search for job positions you really want that line up with your experience. As our friend Madeline Mann puts it, spend your time âjob shoppingâ, not âjob searching.â
Make sure to engage in your job shopping mission for at least some part of every day. Consistency will keep your spirits up! And at the end of each day, youâll feel more accomplished if you stick to a routine.
The important thing is to stay active and build momentum. Itâs OK to take breaks, but donât let your search go cold or itâll feel like youâre starting all over again.
8. Look for Quick Income Sources â Side Gigs, Freelance, or Temp Work
During your on-the-job search grind, itâs OK to keep an eye out for ways that bring in some income now.
We live in an amazing era of gig economy and freelance job abundance. Tasks can be picked up quickly, without experience, and pay almost immediately.
That being said, not all gig jobs will be your best friend. So pursue these with caution.
Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, or local classifieds offer decent short-term opportunities. But they might not be the best fit for long. They could also distract you from your real mission.
Use side work sparingly. The goal of finding a full-time position should be your north star.
9. Stay Active & Positive
This is easier said than done. Because job searching can get you down if you let it.
If you feel yourself getting overwhelmed or emotional, take a step back. Schedule some regular breaks and prioritize your self-care.
Hit the gym, get outside for a walk, read something motivational, or try going to a coffee shop to people-watch for a spell. Keep your mind and body in motion. It will help you stay positive.
Job searching goes hand in hand with rejection, imposter syndrome, and not feeling qualified. It can be a daunting emotional rollercoaster!
The trick is on the down days to remember that thereâs sunshine around the corner.
Tough times donât last. Tough people do. (And you are one of them!)
Remember: Setbacks Are Temporary
Losing a job, especially in a sector that once felt invincible, doesnât define you. Itâs just a bump in the road, not the end of your career. Plenty of people have been in your shoes and come out the other side stronger, with a better job, and even more financially successful.
The key is to focus on what you can control, and take action immediately. Your feelings are valid. Losing a job can conjure up all sorts of emotions. But bouncing back is all about how you respond to things. You got this đȘ
