What To Do When You Are Laid Off

Dealing with the shock of getting laid off is one of the most stressful things a person will ever
have to overcome. It triggers all sorts of emotional issues, as well as practical ones related to
what to do next. Dealing with the emotional side is the only way to get over the paralysis that
often comes with such bad news. There’s A LOT to do once you are laid off, so you need to be
at your best.
The first thought for most people is, "Why me?" They often feel that they might have done
something to deserve being laid off. This might potentially be true if they haven't been working
their best. However, in most cases, a layoff is a purely financial decision on the part of the
company, and not something to be taken personally. It often means either the most expensive
personnel, and/or people considered to be surplus personnel, are laid off.
If you are only one of a small number of people getting laid off, this can be extremely
distressing. If you are part of a large number of people who are laid off, such as occurred in
2008 and 2009, you might take some comfort from the fact that you were one of many.
However, you might also be worried that there will be many people just like you looking for the
same jobs.
This being the case, it is important to be clear about what to expect once you are laid off, and to
know your rights. It also means rolling up your sleeves and getting the jump on everyone else
by starting to look for a new job despite feeling devastated.