"You know the worst part? The world didn't stop. I woke up the next day, and everything was still there. Like nothing happened." — The Company Men
That gut-wrenching realization hits hard when a layoff turns your world upside down, yet the world outside carries on, indifferent. Since 2022, layoffs have become the norm that everyone has to be prepared for, mainly in the tech sector. Yes, facing a layoff can be one of the most challenging experiences of your professional life. Whether you were impacted by the recent Google, Microsoft, Amazon, or Morgan Stanley layoffs — or even a smaller brand, an established company, or a startup — the uncertainty can be overwhelming.
The ongoing tech layoffs have left employees rattled, venting their emotions on social media, sharing their experiences on Reddit, and urgently searching for new job opportunities on LinkedIn. It’s as chaotic as it gets. However, with a structured 30-day plan, you can regain control and navigate your next steps with confidence.
Trending post - List of 305 new service business ideas
Day 1-5: Process and reflect
You have been laid off and the first day after it is the hardest. You wake up in the morning and fail to find a purpose and to make matters worse, there are strong emotions pulling you down. The first few days after a layoff are the toughest when you are left emotionally overwhelmed like never before.
It’s completely normal to feel a rollercoaster of emotions – after all, you had never thought about being issued a pink slip or maybe you knew about it but were not prepared for it. All those financial obligations and some reputation at stake in the social world will leave you devastated in the initial few days.
From anger and frustration to uncertainty about the future during layoffs, there’ll be a storm inside you. But there’s life beyond this whirlwind of emotions. You need to rise and understand that this is just a small phase that shall pass. This initial period is about giving yourself the much-needed space to process what happened.
This period is also about taking practical steps to protect your financial well-being. Here's how to navigate the first five days with clarity and resilience after you have been laid-off by your company.
Acknowledge your feelings
It’s normal to feel anger, frustration, or anxiety after a layoff. Allow yourself to process the emotions. It will grow on you pretty quickly when you accept it and know that you are just one among millions who have been fired from some company. Check any layoff tracker and you will see that the impact is widespread.
Be positive - don’t sit in the chair for too long, do not go towards something that would lead to addiction and spend as much time as possible with the family. Pursue hobbies and take up some good activities like DIY home renovation, gardening, etc.
Understand the details
Review your severance package, benefits, and outplacement support, if provided. In these tumultuous layoff times, do not wait for the company to provide you with insights and assistance. Get into the details and chart out everything to make the process easier.
File for unemployment
Depending on your location, file for unemployment benefits promptly to ensure financial stability.
Update your budget
Evaluate your finances and cut back on unnecessary expenses until you find a new job. Finding a new job during worldwide layoffs might become difficult so work out your finances keeping in mind a long-term plan.
Do not vent out on social media
After a layoff, having bitter feelings for your boss, the company or colleagues is natural. There might have been circumstances that might not have looked fair to you. Be composed. It’s not the time to be hateful.
You need to be cautious about posting anything negative on social media. Erasing digital footprints is often a difficult task so think twice before posting anything negative. Wherever possible, simply avoid posting anything at all.
Example: After the recent Microsoft layoffs, many professionals shared on LinkedIn how revisiting their finances provided immediate clarity and control. Join the forums, go through the discussions, and meet up with other people who have been through layoffs to get deeper insights.
Day 6-10: Update your professional brand
Let your capabilities and skills take over. This is the time when you can give your true worth a chance to work in your favor. With the initial layoff shock behind you, it’s time to shift your focus to redesign your professional identity online.
Update your personal brand because it is essential to stand out in a competitive job market where layoffs have become routine. Refine your resume, optimize your LinkedIn profile, be active on social media, and build a personal brand website. These steps will ensure you’re presenting your skills and experiences in the best light across the platforms. Here's how to get started.
Revise your resume and LinkedIn profile
Highlight your skills, achievements, and experiences. Use keywords like SEO specialist, project management, or software developer to improve visibility to the recruiters.
Create a portfolio
If applicable, compile a digital portfolio showcasing your work. There are several platforms where you can create free portfolio websites.
Gather recommendations
Request recommendations from previous managers or colleagues on LinkedIn. They’ll understand that layoff is a tough time for you so they’ll not hesitate to write good recommendations for you.
Tip: Studies show that profiles with recommendations receive 3x more views. Solid profiles with others talking about you there attract recruiters.
Also read - ChatGPT 5 - The superintelligent model?
Day 11-15: Network and explore
They say your network is your net worth - and layoffs are when you can cash in. The hidden job market thrives on connections, so start shaking the virtual hands that matter. A casual chat with a former colleague or a LinkedIn message to someone in your industry, don’t hesitate. Every conversation has the potential to open the door to a new opportunity. Let’s dive into how you can make networking work for you.
Reach out to your network
Inform your connections about your situation and how the layoff has impacted you. Leverage online platforms to connect with others facing the brunt of layoffs.
Join job boards and communities
Some platforms list companies actively hiring and giving priority to laid-off people wanting to restart. You can explore LinkedIn and Reddit groups and other online communities relevant to your job interest.
Attend virtual events
Many companies host webinars and networking events to discover talent affected by layoffs. Keep an eye on these events and don’t feel hesitant to attend. It’s not only you who has been affected by layoffs. The number is huge so be confident about going online and talking about the situation and the need to find a new opportunity.
Example: Following the recent Google, Meta, and IBM layoffs, some employees formed networking groups that accelerated their reemployment.
Day 16-20: Upskill and reskill – Key to being employed after a layoff
"It's not a layoff, it's a career growth opportunity — said no one ever." But hey, silver linings are a thing. This is your chance to enhance your skills, learn something new, and make yourself even more valuable in the job market.
Whether it’s diving into the world of AI, brushing up on leadership skills, or exploring an entirely new field that can make you more employable and future-proof, these days are all about investing in you. Let’s get started.
Identify in-demand skills
Research trending skills in your industry. For example, AI, Ask Engine Optimization (AEO), and Smart SEO are rapidly growing areas where SEO experts can reskill themselves. There are new areas in every profession and that is exactly what you need to explore to make your career future-proof.
Take online courses
Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning offer certifications in high-demand fields like cybersecurity, AI engineering, etc, so they prove to be the best resource during layoffs. Certifications help you acquire new skills and also show the recruiters that you have been working on your skills after the layoffs. That’s something highly positive that recruiters will truly appreciate.
Leverage AI tools
Tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek can help you practice interview questions or refine your resume. AI has been a big cause of layoffs. But here, you can use it to your advantage.
Data insight
The World Economic Forum predicts that 50% of all employees will need reskilling. Be among those who have reskilled themselves and consider half the job done in finding a new opportunity.
Try freelancing, side hustles, AI gigs
People have made more money freelancing than working 9-to-5 jobs. Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and PeoplePerHour are full of success stories where individual freelancers and agencies have earned millions using the skills they are good at - content writing, designing, digital marketing, legal services, architecture, software development, video editing, coding, translation, AI training, virtual assistant, website and app development, etc. These online marketplaces, along with many other platforms, offer opportunities to make money online by doing various tasks like selling content, renting out homes, teaching guitar, or renting your spare car.
There are thousands of other opportunities to choose from. From social media influencers to AI gigs online, there are many trending options that can help you earn a significant income — maybe even more than your job. And who knows, it might quickly take the shape of a new small business.
Also read - Prompt engineering courses and certifications
Day 21-25: Job applications and outreach
"Anybody who ever built an empire or changed the world sat where you are now." — George Clooney, Up in the Air.
2/3 of the month after the layoffs has passed already. Now it’s time to channel that energy into action. With your resume polished, LinkedIn shining, and confidence seeing a new high, the remaining 1/3 days are all about making smart moves. Great resignation was where people took a complete break from work. This scenario is different so you have to keep preparing yourself to get new opportunities.
From submitting applications to reaching out to connections, every step matters. Every single step you take brings you closer to your next opportunity even during layoffs. Let’s get those applications rolling and conversations started!
Apply to jobs strategically
Focus on quality over quantity. Customize your resume for each role. Include your new certifications and any other skills that you have acquired after the layoffs.
Utilize AI-powered platforms
AI job matching tools are in trend. They can recommend jobs aligned with your skills and preferences.
Follow-up with the recruiters
Don’t hesitate to follow up on applications and interviews. During these challenging times when millions are facing layoffs, you have to do extra. It is this extra that will help you land a new job.
Example: Amazon, Boeing, Starbucks, Tesla layoffs, etc have shown that almost every industry is in firing mode. From e-commerce to Aircraft manufacturers and coffee chains to electric vehicles, layoffs are rampant everywhere. A common thing here is that many laid-off employees have found new roles faster through AI-powered job matching.
Day 26-30: Prepare for interviews and negotiate offers
"You know what they say: ‘Fool me once, strike one. But fool me twice… strike three.’" — Michael Scott, The Office.
In times when layoffs are happening, interviewing can sometimes feel like a game of unpredictable pitches. You really want that one opportunity again and this desperation might put you off track. Be confident because with the right preparation, you’ll be ready to knock it out of the park.
These final 5 days are about sharpening your responses, practicing your delivery, and confidently negotiating the offers that come your way. Yes, the good news is that hiring is also going on in almost every company. There are reasons for layoffs, specifically, for tech layoffs. Beyond those reasons, the companies are still looking for talent. Let’s get you set to win this career comeback!
Practice common interview questions including layoffs
Use mock interview tools powered by AI to refine your responses. There’s nothing better than AI models to help you practice for the interviews. Ask questions about layoffs or how to answer when an interviewer asks the reason for your layoff.
Research employers
Understand company cultures and industry trends. Know why layoffs are happening because it’s certain that something around it will be asked in the interview. After all, you were laid off. Don’t expect HR interviewers to skip it completely just because it might make the situation a bit awkward.
Negotiate the salary effectively
Evaluate compensation packages using salary comparison tools. Layoffs are happening in big numbers but the overall economic scenario is promising. And if a company has shown interest in you, then there’s certainly a value that they think you will be able to provide to their company. Make use of this feeling and don’t be on backfoot thinking that you were laid off so you don’t hold any value.
Tip: Candidates who negotiate often receive 10-15% higher offers. Let the feeling that you were struck by layoffs not overwhelm you when negotiating salary.
Final Thoughts – Layoffs should not make you laid back
A layoff is not the end of your career – it’s a reset. Even the biggest names like Meta, Google, Amazon, IBM, HP, etc are facing massive layoffs, yet thousands of professionals have transitioned to better opportunities. There are numerous reasons behind massive layoffs and mostly, an employee’s performance is not the reason.
Be confident about yourself and give yourself 30 days to bounce back. Come back stronger and make a new start even during layoffs. Every setback is a setup for a comeback. Your next opportunity may be just around the corner.
Trending post - Making $1000 with Clickworker and other AI gigs platforms
