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Laid Off? Here's What to Do Next
Your layoff survival guide
It's the corporate equivalent of being dumped via text message: the unexpected meeting invite, the lack of empathy and eye contact, and the "it's not you, it's the economy" speech.
Whether you've just experienced this professional heartbreak or you're preparing for the possibility, consider this your guide on what to do when you get laid off. More below 👇
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There are many reasons why a layoff happens. Your employer could be downsizing, restructuring, or undergoing other operational changes. We’ve seen many layoffs recently in the federal sector and at tech companies, but it can happen anywhere!
So, what do you do when you get laid off? Follow these steps:
Know Your Rights
When HR calls that meeting, your first instinct might be to just get it over with.
Pause. You are not obligated to sign anything on the spot — and you shouldn't.
Ask to review the documents at home and consult with an employment lawyer if you think the layoff was potentially illegal. Many attorneys offer a free consultation, and you can find one via the National Employment Lawyers Association.
Pro tip: Get familiar with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, which requires employers with 100 or more employees to provide 60 days notice of any mass layoffs.
Request a Layoff Letter
Ask your employer for an official “layoff letter” that clearly states your position is being terminated. Specifications should include:
The reason for your termination
The effective date of termination
The date of your last paycheck
Your eligibility for benefits or severance
Contact info for HR
This documentation will be crucial when applying for unemployment benefits and explaining your situation to future employers.
Understand (and Negotiate) Your Severance
If you’re offered a severance package, don’t assume the first offer is the best. You can negotiate.
Just as you would negotiate salary during hiring, you can negotiate your exit package. Consider consulting with an employment attorney who can advise on fair compensation based on your tenure, position, and circumstances.
Figure Out Your Benefit Options
Your health insurance doesn't need to end with your employment. Ask about:
The exact end date of your employer-sponsored health plan
How to sign up for Continuation of Health Coverage (COBRA)
Alternative options through the Healthcare Marketplace
Joining a spouse's or partner's plan, if applicable
And don’t forget to ask about compensation for unused paid time off, too!
Ask for a Letter of Recommendation
You’ll need as many resources on your side as possible when you reenter the job market. This is where your boss can help!
Set up a quick 1-on-1 with your boss during your last weeks or months at your job to see if they can write a letter of recommendation for you and if you can use them as a reference. Another option is asking them if they can fill out a recommendation for you on LinkedIn to help your profile attract recruiters.
Keep reading our full Layoff Survival Guide here for more unemployment tips that cover everything from updating your resume and LinkedIn, tapping into networks, negotiating better pay in your next role, and protecting your mental health.
How does money impact our psychology and relationships?
We sat down with Manhattan-based psychiatrist Dr. Judith Joseph to learn about her journey from anesthesiology to psychiatry, her new book 'High Functioning,' and the impact of financial stress on our mental health.
Dr. Joseph also shares amazing insights on managing financial anxiety, cultivating joy in daily life, and navigating money matters in relationships. Tune in here!
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