How to Handle a Layoff like a Human
So… you’ve been laid off. Ouch. It’s the kind of gut punch that can knock the wind out of you, even if you saw it coming. One minute you’re answering emails, the next you’re on Zoom with HR holding a PDF about your “transition.” Cool, cool. I’ve been there. I got an impersonal email at 6 AM with 11,000 of my peers.
Here’s the deal: a layoff is not a reflection of your value, skills, or potential. It’s a numbers game, a line item, a business decision. And while that doesn’t make it sting any less, it does mean you get to decide what happens next.
At Better Mondays Co., we believe endings can actually be really great beginnings. So let’s talk about how to navigate a layoff with resilience, confidence, and maybe even a little swagger.
Step 1: Feel the Feels
Angry? Sad? Embarrassed? All of the above? Totally normal. Give yourself a beat before you dive into updating your resume. Go for a walk. Vent to a friend. Ugly cry into some Ben & Jerry’s if that’s your thing. Processing now keeps you from dragging that weight into the next opportunity. Take at least 24 hours to just decompress, drink, sleep, whatever you need.
Step 2: Know What You’re Owed
Severance, unused PTO, health insurance coverage, unemployment—don’t just nod along on that HR call. Ask questions. Write it down. Get clarity on your final paycheck. And yes, it’s okay to request a recommendation while you’re at it. You earned it.
Step 3: Nail Your Story
At some point, someone will ask, “So, what happened at your last job?” Here’s your line:
"My role was impacted by company restructuring, and now I’m excited to explore opportunities where I can [insert your magic]."
Short. Neutral. Zero drama. Nobody needs the play-by-play of Susan in Accounting’s meltdown or how your department was the only one doing any meaningful work for the company. Keep it classy.
Step 4: Refresh Your Toolkit
This is where you dust off the resume, polish that LinkedIn, and practice your “tell me about yourself” without sounding like a robot. Bonus points if you take a short course or certification—it shows momentum, not pause.
Step 5: Put Yourself Out There (Yes, Networking)
Networking gets a bad rap, but it’s basically telling people you’re awesome and open for business. Attend events, join groups, slide into old colleagues’ DMs. Post it on your socials, it’s OK for your personal network to know. Most people want to help—you just have to let them know you’re looking.
Step 6: Define Your “Better Monday”
Here’s the silver lining: a layoff forces you to reassess. Do you want to stay in your industry or pivot? What kind of culture makes you actually want to log on? Picture your ideal Monday morning—what does it look like? That’s your North Star.
The Takeaway
Layoffs suck. There’s no sugarcoating that. But they also crack open space for something better. Treat it like a plot twist, not a dead end. You’ve got options, and you’ve got this.
At Better Mondays Co., we help professionals navigate layoffs and career pivots without losing their confidence (or sense of humor). Because you deserve more than “just a job”—you deserve Mondays you don’t dread.
