Got Laid Off? Here’s What to Do Next

The labor market is as tough as parallel parking on a hill during rush hour — high pressure, low margin for error. People are getting laid off even from traditionally stable federal jobs, not to mention the ongoing wave of terminations in the corporate sector. Whether your pink slip came with a heads-up or hit you like a plot twist, one thing’s for sure: it sucks.
But being laid off isn’t the end of your career, not even close. In fact, this moment can be a powerful pivot point. With the right mindset (and some solid next steps), you can turn your layoff into a launchpad for something better.
This guide walks you through what to do right after a layoff — from sorting your benefits and rewriting your resume to figuring out what you actually want next. Let’s get you back in the driver’s seat.
How Many People Got Laid Off in 2025?
2025 didn’t wait — the layoff wave hit hard and early across sectors.…