What you do in the first 24 hours after being laid off matters.

1. First — Breathe. Unemployement Doesn’t Mean You’re Not Damaged Goods.

In this economy, a layoff isn’t a black mark. The most innovative companies on the planet — the ones that hire the best — are doing reductions. Recruiters and interviewers are accustomed to seeing gaps in employment on resumes. Recruiters are also used to seeing candidates taking time off. Don’t feel you need to bring it up. If they want to know, they will ask.  A gap in employment is the new normal in these whacky political times. This isn’t personal; it’s math and politics, and recruiters get it. 

Candidates may think it is hopeless because there are so many other candidates seeking jobs, but it isn’t. A substantial percentage of candidates look for a job in a one-dimensional way. They post and pray. These candidates submit the exact same resume to job board ads and hope for a response. Readers of this blog know that is not how successful candidates conduct a job search. 

2. Apply for Unemployment Today

Go to your state’s applicable unemployment site before you even pack your desk.  Washington State unemployment benefits

Unemployment isn’t charity. Unemployment is a fund that all employers pay into on their employees’ behalf. Don’t wait “to see how the job search goes.” The state won’t honor retroactive claims. If you don’t sign up, you don’t need to work. 

Quick notes:

• You usually need to have worked for at least 12 months.
• Expect your first check to take ~2 weeks.
• This benefit won’t make you whole. It will keep you afloat and extend your runway.

3. Don’t Sign Anything (Yet)

Your company may slide a release agreement across the table. It’ll sound reasonable — don’t disparage the company, don’t steal employees, don’t share secrets.

✅ What to know:

• Releases are negotiable.
• You don’t have to sign immediately.
• Be respectful — not angry. No one negotiates with someone they think is a pain in the ass.

Pro tip: Decide what’s most important before you talk — extra weeks of pay, COBRA coverage, or keeping that laptop you use personally. Companies can be flexible if you ask the right way. Remember, we don’t have much leverage as the company doesn’t need to provide a severance package. Reasonable requests asked nicely start a conversation. 

4. Review (and Negotiate) Your Exit Package

Even if “everyone’s getting the same deal,” that’s rarely 100% true. Ask politely if any terms can be adjusted. Examples include extra weeks of severance, benefit coverage, or equipment you rely on, to name a few.
If you don’t ask, you don’t get. It’s ok if this one takes a few days or weeks. The company wants this release signed, and if you are polite, they will be flexible. 

5. Do the Math: What’s Your Runway?

Open the spreadsheet. Figure out how many months of living expenses you’ve got. Don’t forget the hidden costs — medical premiums, deductibles, and kids’ education and car payments. Can you add yourself to your spouse’s benefit plan?

Then cut where you can. Downgrade streaming, ditch brand names, grab basics at Uniqlo. You’re not cutting style — you’re buying time. 

6. Keep Busy (Seriously)

This isn’t fluff — staying mentally active keeps you interview-ready.

Build a “sanity plan” and post it where you are reminded of it every day:

• Exercise or walk daily.
• Work on hobbies or personal projects.
• Take an online course or certification.
• List out home projects you have wanted to take care of

The goal is to stay busy, stay active, and avoid the funk. Productivity. Once you’re in a funk, it’s tough to climb out. A list keeps you from making emotional decisions. It’s career meal prep — follow the plan, and you’ll stay sharp. I have seen too many candidates interview when they are in a funk. These are candidates who are unaware of their emotional state. Keep your mind active!

The following suggestions are for after you get through the first 24 hours. 

7. Define Your Next Move

Write down your primary priorities (title, compensation, industry) and your secondary ones (parking, benefits start date, commute).

When you’re in interviews, don’t lead with these—they can sound misaligned. But knowing them helps you evaluate offers later without emotion.

8. Practice the Top 10 Interview Questions

You know they’re coming:

• “Why do you want to work here?”
• “What are you looking for in your next role?”
• “What’s your 3-year plan?”

Most candidates practice the first line and fade halfway through. Don’t be that person. You’ve got time — use it.

9. You’re Building the Next Chapter

Layoffs suck, but they aren’t career-enders. I’ve been laid off more than once, and most of my colleagues have been laid off at some point. What matters most is how you handle the first 24 hours. Those early choices shape how quickly you rebound.

If you’re reading this because you’ve just been laid off, you don’t need to make big decisions today.

I put together a short guide to help you slow down and avoid the most common post-layoff mistakes.

You don’t have to read it today. This is just something to have.

→View the PDF for Desktop and Printing: Laid Off Survival Guide P

→View the EPUB Mobile Friendly: Laid Off Survival Guide M

(Direct download. No email)

You got this!

HRNasty

nasty: an unreal maneuver of incredible technique, something that is ridiculously good, tricky, and manipulative but with a result that can’t help but be admired, a phrase used to describe someone good at something. “He has a nasty forkball”.

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