Prepare before it happens
Layoffs rarely come without warning signals. If you're sensing instability at your company, now is the time to prepare — quietly and systematically.
Warning Signs of a Possible Layoff
Awareness is not panic — it's preparation
Financial Preparation Checklist
- Build or top up a 3–6 month emergency fund based on your core monthly expenses.
- Pay down high-interest debt (especially credit cards) to reduce monthly burn.
- Review your monthly subscriptions and cancel non-essentials now, while income is steady.
- Know exactly what your monthly 'bare minimum' budget looks like.
- Check if you have disability or income protection insurance.
- Review your 401(k) contribution — consider maintaining match at minimum.
- If you have RSUs or options with upcoming vesting, note the dates carefully.
- Open a high-yield savings account for your emergency fund if you don't have one.
Documents to Save Before Your Last Day
Save only what you're legally permitted to keep
- Recent pay stubs (last 2–3 months)
- Your offer letter and any compensation agreements
- Performance reviews and commendations
- Any bonuses, commission agreements, or equity grant letters
- Work samples, case studies, or project results you're permitted to keep
- Professional contacts — save emails and LinkedIn connections before your access ends
- Your benefits guide and open enrollment documents
- Any contracts that mention severance, notice, or garden leave
Health Insurance Preparation
- Know your current deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.
- Understand your COBRA rights and the 60-day election window.
- Research Healthcare.gov plans for your income bracket.
- If you're on medications, consider getting a 90-day supply before a potential transition.
- Know your dependents' coverage needs and any in-network providers you use regularly.
- Check whether a spouse or partner's employer plan is an option.
Resume & LinkedIn Preparation
- Update your resume now — while accomplishments are fresh in your mind.
- Quantify results: revenue influenced, headcount managed, costs reduced.
- Set your LinkedIn profile to 'Open to Work' with your preferred role types.
- Connect with recruiters and people at companies you admire — before you need to.
- Ask a trusted colleague for a LinkedIn recommendation while still employed.
- Write a strong 'About' section that reads as forward-looking, not backward-looking.
Quiet Networking Tips
Build relationships before you need them
Schedule 2 coffee chats per month
Keep warm relationships going before any urgency exists.
Engage on LinkedIn consistently
Comment on posts, share insights — stay visible in your field.
Attend one virtual or in-person industry event quarterly
Stay current and make new connections before you need them.
Identify 10 target companies you'd work at
Research them now so your outreach is focused later.
Reconnect with past colleagues
A quick 'catching up' message goes a long way.
Financial Tools
Calculate your runway and model your budget scenarios.
Open toolsBefore Layoff Community
Connect with others who are preparing for the same uncertainty.
Join discussionEducational content only. LayoffNext provides general information and is not a substitute for legal, financial, tax, or mental health advice. For matters relating to unemployment insurance, severance agreements, or personal finances, please consult a licensed professional or contact official government resources.
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