How to Handle a Layoff Without Losing Your Mind

Yes, getting laid off sucks. I’ve been there.

You’re in the grind daily, just doing your job, and then the dreaded company-wide email that talks about restructuring, aka budget cuts, arrives. Or if you’re a remote employee, getting ambushed with an unscheduled Zoom call with someone from HR telling you you’ve been unfortunately let go.

The next thing you know, you’re packing up your belongings and wondering what just happened, all while feeling numb. 

But you’re not alone! A scroll through LinkedIn will probably be quite clear on that. Layoffs have hit hard lately, especially in tech, media, retail, and finance industries. Not to mention the mass layoffs in federal government jobs.

Think of this as your turning point whether you like it or not. When you’re ready to recharge, rebuild, or pivot, here are some practical moves that can help you get back on your feet. 

What’s Up With All the Layoffs?

Layoffs have been wild lately.

It’s happening particularly in tech giants like Google, Meta, and Tesa, but it also spans to media, retailers, and more. Companies nationwide are cutting costs, downsizing, and shifting priorities due to rising interest rates and inflation affecting their bottom line. 

In 2025 so far, 3.5 million Americans have been laid off, which is 2.7% higher at this point compared to 2024.* Between economic uncertainty, automation with AI, and crazy DOGE cuts, people are feeling alarmed about job security.

Your Post-Layoff Game Plan

If you got laid off already, or you’re feeling it might potentially happen, here are some steps to help set some structure when you’re feeling numb.

1. Ask HR for a Layoff Letter

Your former employer may not provide one for you, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. A formal layoff letter can make it easier to explain the gap on your resume and apply for unemployment, and it proves that your exit wasn’t performance-related. It’s just a good document to keep on file, and sometimes you need that extra reassurance and reminder that the layoff truly wasn’t your fault.

2. Get a Recommendation While It’s Still Fresh

Contact your manager or colleagues you worked closely with and ask for LinkedIn recommendations that can live on your profile. It’s a great way for potential employers to skim feedback and see how other people liked working with you.

3. File for Unemployment ASAP

You paid into the system, so don’t feel weird about claiming it! That’s what it’s there for. Each state has its own rules and timelines, so head to your local state’s unemployment site and get that ball rolling. It can take a few weeks to process, so apply early. Based in California, I chose to have taxes automatically taken out of my unemployment checks, so each week, I received $405 before finding a new full-time job.

4. Refresh Your Resume Early

Update your resume while everything is still fresh in your mind. Highlight recent projects, skills, and wins to tailor it to the kind of job that you want next and not the one you just lost. 

Utilize modern templates and ask family and friends to review it for clarity and mistakes.

5. Reconnect with Your Network

You never know who’s hiring or who THEY know that knows someone else is hiring. Reach out to previous coworkers, friends, or even people you met a few years ago. Most people want to help, and sometimes they just need a nudge. 

You can start with a quick note: “Hey [insert name]! I was recently laid off and am looking for my next opportunity in [industry/role]. Let me know if you hear of anything or want to catch up!”

6. Learn a New Skill or Brush Up on Old Ones

Now that you should have a little bit of extra time, use it to level up! Free and low-cost platforms like Coursera, Skillshare, or even YouTube can help you stay sharp, in the know, and potentially add new skills to your arsenal. Whether it’s brushing up on Excel, learning how to wrangle AI, or getting certified, small upgrades can make a big difference.

Google also offers professional certifications that you can learn at your own pace in the fields of Data Analytics, Project Management, Cybersecurity, UX Design, Digital Marketing, and more.

7. Try Freelancing

Freelancing can help you bridge the gap between jobs and, in some cases, a whole new career path! Popular and adaptable gigs can include social media management, writing, tutoring, web design, virtual assistance, and more. Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Contra are solid starting points.

If you do some freelancing, be sure to put it on your resume so it can address how you spent your time showing initiative and flexibility. 

The Money Move: It’s OK to Grieve, But Don’t Stay Stuck

People tend to define themselves by their jobs, so getting laid off may feel disorienting or put you in a state of limbo. This is the perfect time to reevaluate what you want, to take care of yourself, and to align your work with what matters to you now. It’s a fresh start!

Give yourself space to feel all the feels, and then start taking small steps ahead. You got this!

*3.5 million Americans have been laid off so far in 2025 source: USAFacts.org