Laid off today? Start here.
This page gives you a clear, prioritized plan for the next 30 days. You don't need to figure everything out today — just follow this sequence.
First 24 Hours
Focus on stabilizing — not solving everything
- 1Take a breath — your first job is to stay calm and think clearly.
- 2Do NOT sign anything HR gives you today. You usually have 21–45 days to review.
- 3Write down everything that was said in your termination meeting.
- 4Save your last pay stubs and note your final pay date.
- 5Ask HR: When is my last day? When will I receive my final paycheck? What happens to my benefits?
- 6Do not access company systems after being locked out — even unintentionally.
- 7Check if you have a separation agreement and note the review deadline.
- 8Screenshot or export any personal files/contacts stored on company devices (if permitted).
- 9Notify your emergency contacts — you may need health insurance info quickly.
- 10Eat something, drink water, and rest. Decisions made in panic rarely help.
First 7 Days
File, review, and understand your situation
- File for unemployment insurance — do this as soon as possible to avoid delays.
- Review your separation agreement carefully before signing anything.
- Understand your COBRA options and deadline (usually 60 days to elect).
- List your monthly expenses and identify which are essential vs optional.
- Update your LinkedIn status or set it to 'Open to Work' if comfortable.
- Reach out to 3–5 trusted contacts to let them know you're looking.
- Pull your most recent resume — even if outdated, it's your starting point.
- Check your bank account balance and calculate your current financial runway.
- Review your 401(k) or retirement account situation — don't make hasty decisions.
- Identify any freelance, contract, or gig work you could start immediately.
First 30 Days
Build momentum and establish your search routine
- Finalize your decision on the severance agreement (if applicable).
- Set up a weekly job search routine — block hours each day for applications.
- Refresh your resume to reflect your most recent role and accomplishments.
- Update your LinkedIn headline and summary for your target role.
- Build a target company list of 10–20 places you'd genuinely like to work.
- Start preparing answers to common interview questions, including explaining the layoff.
- If using COBRA, make your first payment before the deadline.
- Apply for any government assistance you may qualify for beyond unemployment.
- Consider reaching out to former colleagues for references now, while it's fresh.
- Evaluate whether a career pivot or upskilling program aligns with your goals.
Questions to Ask HR
Before you leave — or in your first follow-up email
- What is my exact last working day?
- When will I receive my final paycheck, and what does it include?
- Am I receiving severance? How much, and what conditions apply?
- How long do I have to review and sign the separation agreement?
- When does my health insurance coverage end?
- What are my COBRA enrollment details and deadline?
- What happens to my unvested stock options or equity?
- Will the company provide an outplacement service?
- How will my employment dates be listed in references?
- Is there a non-disparagement or non-compete clause I should review?
Resume & LinkedIn Quick Actions
Update LinkedIn to 'Open to Work'
Use the private setting first if you prefer.
Add your most recent role
Focus on 2–3 impact statements, not job duties.
Refresh your headline
Use a forward-looking title, not just your last job.
Send connection requests to recruiters
Target recruiters at companies you're interested in.
Export your resume as PDF
Use a clean, ATS-friendly format.
Write a short 'I'm available' message
Something you can send to 10 contacts quickly.
Emotional Reset
Being laid off is a significant life disruption, even when it's not personal. Feeling shock, anger, or anxiety is completely normal. Here's a grounding reminder:
“A layoff is a business decision. It reflects a company's financial priorities — not your competence, your value, or your future potential. Your experience, skills, and relationships don't disappear when employment does.”
Helpful tools for right now
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Educational 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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