Here's how you can navigate a layoff and plan your next career move with available resources.

Layoffs are never easy. It can be easy to instantly play the victim, but layoffs are a business decision, and have nothing to do with you personally. Take the time to process the situation; disconnect for a bit. Then as you continue to process your situation, begin taking those steps to make sure that your house is in order and those you're immediately responsible for are taken care of.

Do your best to remember that a layoff is a business decision, not a personal decision. While losing your job can certainly feel personal and absolutely affects your life and livelihood, it's a greater reflection of the company than it is of the individual. Part of assessing reality is recognizing that you were likely laid off through no fault of your own. Feelings of anger, fear, and resentfulness that often accompany a layoff are common, real, and should be acknowledged. As the emotional dust settles, take stock in the competent and capable person that you are and keep moving forward.

Time is not on your side. If you were recently laid off, start updating your resume immediately. As time passes it may be more difficult to remember and articulate your accomplishments. If you're fortunate enough to be currently employed it's a good practice to update your resume regularly. In either case, make it a habit to document ALL the work that you do and the successes that you've achieved. Not only will this help you in your current employment by providing details for salary and promotion negotiation, it will also provide you with a deep repository of accomplishments you can use to customize your resume in the future.

Don't just copy and paste your job responsibilities from your previous employment. Drill down into some of the core functions of your skill sets. Now is an incredible opportunity to pivot into a different career, so make sure you're well aware of the technical AND soft skills you possess when applying for a new position. Don't forget that experience can come from more than just the workplace. If you volunteer on the weekends, partake in community events, or host community gatherings, etc., there's skills that can be highlighted there, too.

I will never be able to express how important it is to network. Having a group of colleagues to support you throughout your layoff can lessen the impact of it, even if it's in the smallest sense. Beyond that, networking with quality people that you align with and have a genuine relationship with can open the doors to opportunities you may never had anticipated.

Few things will lead to employment offers more effectively than networking and referrals. Unfortunately, most people tend to deprioritize networking while they’re employed, only to find themselves scrambling after a layoff. Make networking and interpersonal development of priority regardless of your employment status. Beyond supporting a job search, networking provides opportunities for the sharing of ideas, emotional support, and potentially (and hopefully) new friendships. For the currently employed, consider opening up a little bit more to those who've been recently laid off. They could use your support and you may end up with a new friend!

If you want to learn a new skill, take advantage of the resources you have online. Want to pivot into a different career or pick up a new technical skill? Use sites like Google, YouTube, or even ChatGPT/Gemini to do research and start taking steps in that direction. There are TONS of courses and instructional pieces of content out there.

You're already feeling stuck while you're unemployed; don't feel stuck in the same career at the same time! Put your talents to use. Lean into your network and grab some time with individuals that have the job you want, and get a feel for what their work looks like. Reach out to those who know you well, and could potentially see you pursuing a different career path, or can help evaluate/highlight your skillset.

There’s no shortage of poorly written job descriptions and position titles. It's not uncommon to find identically titled roles with distinctly different responsibilities listed in their respective job descriptions. Similarly, there are scores of posted jobs with disparate compensation for similar requirements, and positions whose required skills and responsibilities are suspiciously vague or generalized. When seeking your next opportunity, broaden your mindset (and search criteria) and you may find hidden gems in unexpected places. See something that's interesting to you? Reach out and ask questions.

It can be incredibly difficult to stay positive, particularly after a layoff. Since most layoffs don't come with a good explanation for why you were selected, it's common to have feelings of anger, fear, despair, anxiety, and resentment. These are often quickly followed by feelings of stress, embarrassment, and even depression. The feelings you have are real and are worthy of acknowledgement. Still, as Franklin said, “Out of Adversity Comes Opportunity.” As your first steps to moving forward, make your best effort to find support where you can, embrace this new reality, and have compassion for yourself.

Here are three things to keep in mind. 1. Take this opportunity to reflect on your skills, passions, and long-term goals. Identify areas for growth and explore new possibilities. Remember, setbacks can lead to unexpected opportunities. 2. Reach out to your professional network, colleagues, and mentors. Share your situation and seek guidance or advice. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and support from others can be invaluable. 3. Upskill yourself by utilizing available resources. Consider online courses, webinars, or certifications to enhance your knowledge and stay relevant in your field or explore new domains. Continuous learning can open doors to new career directions. Remember this is a transitional phase. You are Worthy.