The First 3 Things You Need To Do After Getting Laid Off
You may remember Shireen Jaffer, EDVO CEO, from our Q&A with her about navigating a COVID layoff. Today she’s back and getting into the details of what to do before we even begin our dreaded job search. Basically, you’ve been laid off. Now, what? We wanted to know the very first three things we should do. Give us the action items when we need them most. Here’s what she told us.
When there is a layoff, workforce reduction or any huge, transitionary event — most people go immediately to “oh my god, what do I do now? I need to redo my resume. I need to redo my LinkedIn. I need to start applying.”
That’s our survival instincts kicking in because this is how we’ve been trained to think. This is our immediate response. But, this is a response that will not serve you. Here are the first three things you should do.
- Do a mindset check in. How do you feel? How are you processing this? Is it going to serve you? Is it going to make this process better? Are you self doubting or self blaming?
Identifying what’s in and out of your control is way easier said than done. When it comes to shifting your mindset, it starts with simple awareness. Being aware that you are processing in an unhelpful way will help you to start redirecting your thoughts and eventually, overcome it.
2. Identify the relationships you have today that you can give to and receive from. See what you currently have and how you can work with coworkers that might be in the same situation.
Look at the company you were just laid off from. Are there other colleagues that have experienced layoffs or furloughs? Chances are you can help each other. The key here is to try to delve into this mindset of: What do I have today that can support me and how can I support others? It’s hard to do this naturally! It takes work. But, it is the mindset that will lead to meaningful relationships that will make this job search process so much better for you.
Then, identify the relationships from the job you are transitioning from that you want to maintain. Who hasn’t been impacted by layoffs? How can you continue to build those relationships?
This can be tricky because it is so easy to get into the mindset of comparing yourself to coworkers who didn’t get laid off. The problem is you can think about that all. day. long. Being a receiver of this decision is so hard but the truth is, there are so many variables that go into this decision. Particularly right now, it doesn’t have to do with job performance. So, don’t go there! It won’t serve you; it won’t make you feel better. It’s going to take up space in your head that it doesn’t deserve. Don’t even go there.
Instead, identify if there are good relationships from that company and think about how you can keep them going. Ask for a reference on your LinkedIn profile or for honest advice for a transition or feedback from working with them. Show people you are genuinely interested in relationships like that.
3. Check in with your practical situation. How are you doing financially? How much leeway do you have before you need to be making additional income? What does your severance package look like? Make sure you know what your severance package is communicating to you. How much can you rely on that company to keep paying you? Are there transitionary benefits? Write these questions out and get some answers before you sign any severance paperwork.
Also, make a timeline. For some of us, one week of unemployment is not okay. Figure out unemployment payments, when the check will come, what the amount will be, etc. This will help you to determine if you need to find a part-time job or freelance opportunities to keep you afloat while you are job searching. It’s also a great way to ensure you have multiple sources of income.
All in all, layoffs are hard, we’ve been there too. Just know, no matter how you are feeling right now, your feelings are valid. And, you do have options; it’s just a matter of knowing where to find them and making sure you’re asking the right questions. Starting here will allow you to take control of your situation. We hope this gave you some solace or hope, or even just pointed you in the direction of where to begin.
You can watch the full webinar recording here.
This post was adapted from our webinar lesson with Shireen Jaffer. Shireen is a Forbes 30 Under 30, CEO of EDVO, Investor and Advisor who has created a life and career around helping people find meaningful work.
