I’ve Just Been Laid Off … Now What?

Unemployment is down, the job market is booming. So it may come as a shock in this environment to be laid off. No matter what is happening in the economy, layoffs still happen. We’re here to help you navigate what’s next. 

How to Handle a Layoff

Even the best and brightest employees get laid off, so don’t let it keep you down for long. Here are a few essential to-dos:

  • Get paid. In addition to any severance you might have received, you may be eligible for unemployment to tide you over until you find a new position.
  • Network with your ex-employer. If the layoffs were truly a cost-savings measure, your manager and co-workers can be great sources of references and connections for your next move. Your HR team also may offer outplacement services such as career advising, help with resume and cover letter writing, and connecting you with recruiters.
  • Reframe your narrative. You can’t undo being laid off, but you can figure out how it becomes part of your new personal narrative. What was behind the layoffs? What have you learned? In hindsight, is there anything you would have done differently? How do you feel about being laid off—is there a small part of you that’s relieved?
  • Change directions. Whether you’re laid off from a long-term job or you were selected because you had the least seniority, perhaps this is a chance for change. Every new beginning offers you the chance to reassess your career and personal goals and refine your plan. Does this break present the opportunity to go back and get that graduate degree you’ve dreamed about? Are you tired of managing and want to return to “doing”? Has your work-life balance been out of whack? Were you feeling bored or unchallenged? Take a step back and decide how you want to move forward.

What If Your Offer Is Rescinded?

Maybe worse than losing a job is not even getting to start one. Twitter, Redfin, and CoinBase recently made headlines for rescinding hundreds of job offers as a cost-saving measure. If that happens to you—and the offer isn’t pulled for something like a failed background check—what’s your recourse? Not much, unfortunately, at least legally. 

What you can do is hit the ground running. Your job search skills and tools should still be in good shape, so start looking again as soon as you feel ready. It can’t hurt so swallow a little pride and reach out to the company you most recently left if you quit on good terms. They may be sympathetic to your plight and may not yet have filled your position. 

Read More Here

By W. P. Carey Career Services Center
W. P. Carey Career Services Center