Here's how you can navigate and cope with common emotions during a layoff.

1 Acknowledge Grief

When you're laid off, it's normal to grieve the loss of your job as you would any significant loss. Allow yourself to feel sadness, anger, or disbelief without judgment. It's an important part of the healing process. As you navigate this grief, remember that it's not a reflection of your worth or abilities. Recognize that your feelings are valid and give yourself permission to experience them fully before moving forward.

2 Seek Support

It's crucial to reach out for support during a layoff. Confide in trusted friends, family, or professional networks. They can provide a listening ear, advice, or even job leads. Remember, you're not alone in this—many have gone through similar experiences and can offer empathy and understanding. Sharing your feelings can lighten your emotional load and open up avenues for practical assistance.

3 Stay Active

Keeping yourself physically active can have a positive impact on your emotional well-being. Exercise releases endorphins, which can help alleviate stress and anxiety. Whether it's a daily walk, yoga, or a more intense workout, find an activity that suits you and make it a part of your routine. Staying active will not only help you cope with layoff-related stress but also provide structure to your days.

4 Reflect & Learn

Use this time as an opportunity for reflection and personal growth. Assess your skills, accomplishments, and what you enjoyed most in your previous role. This self-reflection can help you identify what you want in your next job and highlight areas for professional development. Learning from this experience can empower you to emerge stronger and more focused on your career path.

5 Plan Ahead

Once you've processed the initial emotions of a layoff, begin planning your next steps. Update your resume, enhance your LinkedIn profile, and consider reaching out to contacts within your industry. Setting small, achievable goals for your job search can help you maintain momentum and a sense of progress. Planning is an active step towards regaining control of your career trajectory.

6 Embrace Change

Finally, try to embrace the change that comes with a layoff. It's an opportunity to explore new career paths or even pursue passions that you may have sidelined. Change can be daunting but also exciting. Approach it with an open mind and consider where it might lead you. With change comes the potential for growth, new challenges, and new successes.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?