How to Move Forward After Being Laid Off

Losing your job is never fun, and getting laid off is no exception. Whether it happened out of the blue or was a situation you suspected might come for some time, a layoff is almost always an uncomfortable and unwelcome surprise. The unpredictable nature of layoffs makes them difficult to plan for, and those who experience one may find themselves wondering how best to handle it and what to do next.

If you've experienced a layoff (or would like to be better prepared to handle one), here are seven steps to bouncing back.

1) Get the Details

While it's probably not a fun conversation, it's important to understand all the particulars of the situation. Ask what triggered the layoffs, and what – if anything – might create favorable circumstances for you to return.

Understand the difference between being laid off, fired, or furloughed, and be sure to ascertain which one technically applies. The three happen for different reasons and leave different options available to you. In the case of being laid off, the situation is not temporary, and is not due to fault of the employee.

Carefully review any paperwork you were given in regards to the layoff, such as severance packages or healthcare continuation details, and any conditions attached to them.

If you don't have it already, gather other information that you might need. A few items likely items include:

• Paystubs
• Your exact start and end dates (often required for unemployment)
• A copy of any onboarding papers or legal terms which might remain in effect for some time after leaving (such as an NDA or healthcare plan) 

Make a point of filing for unemployment as soon as possible after getting laid off. Ideally, begin the process immediately, but at the absolute latest begin the next business day. It might sound unpleasant, but the process can take time, and you'll breathe easier once you know it's in motion.

Starting right away will also make contacting your former employer easier if you find you're missing any of the information needed to file.

3) Process Your Feelings

With the immediate aftermath of the layoff behind you, it's a good idea to give some attention to processing how you feel. Emotion regarding being laid off is normal, and feels different to everyone. Talk about the layoff with trusted friends, or use other ways to express your emotions.

When you're comfortable doing so, come up with a concise way to explain the layoff to others. A short, matter-of fact statement that you can share in a friendly and calm way will help you stay confident and help friends and recruiters know you're ready for new work.

4) Take Some Time and Take Care of Yourself

Whether you need to look for a job right away or decide to take a previously unscheduled vacation, the time between jobs can be positive. You might take some of your newfound free time to visit loved ones, travel, or catch up on other pursuits. Whatever it may be, if there's something you've been meaning to do that you couldn't quite fit into your schedule during your last job, this is a great time to do it.

As you do so, remember to take good care of yourself. Even though you don't have to head to work on a schedule, continue to maintain a healthy routine to help yourself be at your best and avoid falling into a rut.

5) Assess Your Goals

With your last job behind you and having taken some time for yourself, you may find you have a fresh perspective. It could be a good time to reflect on your goals for your life and career.

Consider some of the following questions useful as you begin to chart your path forward:

• What do I miss about my previous job? What am I glad to be away from?
• How has my day-to-day life improved since leaving? How is it worse?
• What's the state of the industry that I was in?
• Do I want a similar job or something different?

As you prepare to make looking for your next job your primary focus, it's a perfect time to update and polish your resume, LinkedIn profile, portfolio, and any other materials you use to look for work. You can also use this time to pursue training that will enhance your career opportunities and help you stay sharp.

Revisit relationships with people in your network, including those at your previous company. If the layoff included others, you may have a built-in network of similarly-experienced contacts who are going through the same process as you.

7) Treat Your Job Search Like a Job

As you fully engage in your job search, give it the same time and dedication that you would to your next gig.

Block out actual hours of the day that you'll spend searching for jobs, applying, exploring new avenues, and speaking to contacts, and track your progress in a central location. If you run out of job-seeking activities before the time you planned to spend is done, see if you can find something new to try rather than calling it a day. You never know where your next opportunity may come from.