What to Do? You Just Got Caught in a RIF

Your company just announced a RIF, and you are on the list.

We’ve been in a season of consolidation in the tech space, where over the past few years, we’ve seen workforces decimated in the pursuit of advancing productivity and efficiency. In the age of AI, expect the shift to hit areas once thought untouchable. The arena I exist in is sales, and there is no other profession where losing your job is always one bad year (or quarter) away. But what do you do when you know you are an effective and lauded sales pro, yet the circumstances—no matter what you try—simply don’t favor you?

Here you are, on the receiving end of the bad news announcement. Just a year ago, you were a top rep, celebrating in Hawaii with your peers, counting your wins in dollars and trophies. Now, you’re at the losing end of a restructuring that offers no forgiveness. It feels unfair, doesn’t it? You’ve been loyal, hardworking, and successful. One soft year, and the game of musical chairs has left you without a seat.

And beyond the job, there’s life. You have a lifestyle to maintain, kids with tuition, a mortgage, aging parents who need support, and so many people who count on you. And for the first time in a long time, you’re scared. Not just because of the loss but because the landscape has changed—even from just two years ago. The market is different. The hiring process is different. The way companies evaluate sales talent is different.

Now, pause. Step back from what just happened.

If I’ve learned anything from my career, it’s that the hardest moments—the gut-punch ones—have always led to the biggest turning points. It may not feel like it now, but this moment can be a door, not a dead end. Having faith in your track record, your ability, and your resilience is critical.

Even if you feel like your sales career has been mid at best, take heart—sometimes a fresh start is all that’s been standing between you and becoming a Club-level sales pro. All those experiences, good and bad, are fuel for the next stage.

What do you do next?

1. Resume – Make it tell the right story. Your resume is not just a list of past jobs; it’s a sales pitch. Lead with impact—metrics, results, and what you drove, not just what you were responsible for. Tailor it for different types of roles, whether that's sales leadership, individual contributor, or a transition into an adjacent field.

2. Network – But don’t just ‘spray and pray.’ The strongest job opportunities come from real connections, not just cold applications. Reach out with intention. Have meaningful conversations, reconnect with past colleagues, and leverage every sales skill you have—rapport-building, follow-up, value-driven conversations—to network effectively.

3. Key Companies Focus – Know where you want to go. Not every company is worth your time. Who’s growing? Who’s hiring? Where do your skills fit best? Build a list of target companies and get strategic about how you approach them.

4. Moonlight – Get creative with income streams. Contract work, consulting, side hustles—now is the time to explore. Maybe you’ve been meaning to try your hand at sales coaching, advising startups, or even something totally outside of sales. Diversifying income streams can lessen the pressure and keep you sharp while you search.

5. Take a Breather – If you can, give yourself a minute. High-performers tend to go straight into "fix-it mode." But a moment to breathe, to process, to reset can be invaluable. Rushing into the wrong role can set you back further. If you can take a beat—do it.

6. Build Skills – Sales is evolving. Are you? Tech is changing fast, and so is the sales game. AI, automation, and new buyer behaviors mean that staying sharp isn’t optional. Whether it’s a new methodology, deeper industry expertise, or even just improving how you leverage tech in your process—invest in yourself.

7. Design Your Ideal Job – Don’t just ‘take what you can get.’ This is your chance to reset. What kind of sales role actually energizes you? What do you want from leadership, culture, and comp? Be intentional—chasing another misaligned opportunity out of panic will only lead you here again.

The Bottom Line

This sucks. No sugarcoating it. But I also know that for many of us, these moments—when we’re forced to pivot—lead to breakthroughs we never saw coming.

After seven consecutive years of hitting 100%+ quota, with four President’s Clubs under my belt, I was RIF’d. It was a gut punch. But I regrouped, landed back on my feet, returned 2 years later only to be shown the door again. At the time, it felt like a relentless cycle of rebuilding and adjusting just to have the rug pulled out from under me. But looking back, those exits weren’t endings—they were redirections. Because now, I’m in a position that fuels my passion and gives me the opportunity to build something amazing beyond my expectations.

If you’re in this spot, know this: you are not starting over. You are moving forward.

Let’s connect. Whether you need guidance, a sounding board, or just someone who gets it, I’m happy to be a resource. Drop a comment, send a message, or reach out—I am here to lend an ear.