Being Laid Off

By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter

Being laid off is often a profoundly unsettling experience that shakes one’s sense of identity, self-worth, and security. It is not the end; it’s a transition, a chance to reevaluate your priorities, explore new paths, and ultimately emerge stronger and more resilient. With the right mindset and support system(s), you can navigate this challenging period and come out the other side with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.

First and foremost, it’s essential to acknowledge and validate the range of emotions you may be experiencing – anger, sadness, anxiety, or even relief. These feelings are natural and expected. Bottling them up or denying them will only prolong the healing process. Find healthy outlets to express and process these emotions, whether it’s through journaling, talking to a trusted friend or family member, people in a networking group you belong to who you trust, seeking professional counseling or integrating these feelings into your existing therapy sessions.

One of the most common mistakes I’ve seen is dwelling on the past and ruminating over what went wrong or what could have been done differently. The decision to let you go usually as nothing to do with you even though it is you who was laid off. Often when firms make difficult decisions on the heels of changing business conditions or failed decisions by senior management, the decision to lay off someone feels personal but isn’t. A business, a department, a group or a percentage of people are eliminated and choosing you has nothing to do with you. Often that realization provides comfort to people and helps them recover from the shock of being laid off.

While it’s important to reflect and learn from the experience, obsessing over it will only lead to a downward spiral of negativity and self-doubt. Instead, begin to focus your energy on the present and the future you want to create for yourself. Initially, it may seem difficult to do. However, starting with small steps that stack on top of one another, you’ll make progress toward your finding your next job.

Here are my top three recommendations for maintaining emotional and mental well-being during this transition:

1. Cultivate mercy for yourself: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a dear friend going through a similar situation. You would probably remind them that losing a job is not a reflection of their worth as a person or a measure of their capabilities. Start doing the same for yourself as often as you need.
2. Continue your existing routine or consciously create a new one post-layoff: Structure and routine can provide a sense of normalcy and control during a time of upheaval. Wake up at a consistent time, engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, and set small, achievable goals for yourself each day.
3. Seek out support: You don’t have to go through this alone. Reach out to your personal and professional networks for emotional support, guidance, and potential job leads. Consider joining a support group or engaging with online communities of individuals who have been through similar experiences.

If you haven’t already done so, consider cultivating a meditation or yoga practice. They can help focus you in the present moment and reduce stress and anxiety. Join an online site like JobSearch.Community where people support one another and receive advice from an experienced international job search coach.

Ⓒ The Big Game Hunter, Inc., Asheville, NC 2024

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ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER

People hire Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter to provide No BS job search coaching and career advice globally because he makes job search and succeeding in your career easier. 

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He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 podcast in iTunes for job search with over 2900 episodes over 13+ years.

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