How to Manage Layoff Anxiety

There’s news about another mass layoff almost every day. Regardless of where you're at, here are some ways to manage your well-being and tips on what to do next.

You’ve been laid off.

You’re shocked at getting let go over a mass email sent by your CEO in the middle of the night, then losing access to all your company logins. You're questioning everything, and you’re in fight or flight mode.

Try to calm and reframe your mind.

Remember that what’s happening is due to poor planning or a change in business direction. None of this reflects who you are or your skills! You’re capable and can navigate this whole thing in no time. 

Pause and reflect.

It’s important to take care of yourself during this big shift. If you’re in a bad space, give yourself time to process, and then commit to finding ways to feel better. Journal, meditate, exercise, be in nature. Do what it takes. 

Wait to reach out to your connections or apply for any jobs. Use this time to go inward and reflect on what truly matters and what you want. Once you have more clarity around this, it will be easier to ask for help externally.

Create your personal narrative.

Write down your skills, strengths, and accomplishments. And infuse your point of view and story into everything. Don’t be generic! For example, you’re not a “product manager.” You’re an “early-stage marketing product manager who designs through a women-centric lens to ensure user equity.”

Go into discovery mode.

Figure out what industry or jobs you’re attracted to and why. Think about how this ties back to your values, strengths, and accomplishments. Consider what kind of environment you thrive in, your personality, and whether these companies you’re interested in will foster your growth.

Keep tabs on all these jobs and who you might be able to connect with, but don’t apply. The goal is NOT to have to hit an “apply” button if you don’t have to because success rates are extremely low.

Invest in relationships. 

Whether tapping into your network or reaching out to strangers on LinkedIn, having the conviction of who you are, your strengths, and what you’re looking for makes it much easier for others to know HOW to help you.

The chance of getting hired through a referral is 40% higher than those without, so focus on strategically fostering relationships vs. applying and hoping someone gets back to you.

Your team members have been laid off.

You still have a job, but you’re paranoid that you might be next, and responsibilities from those laid off are starting to creep onto your plate.

Set your boundaries.

Have an upfront conversation with your manager. Ask them what the biggest priorities are now that your teammates/manager/etc. have left. Find out how this shift will affect other projects and timelines, including what you’re responsible for.

Get a clear understanding of what you should be spending your time on. And be upfront about making trade-offs to support the company’s top priorities while maintaining a healthy and reasonable workload for yourself. 

Set boundaries (and stick to them) because no one else will do it for you.

Watch out for ‘quiet hiring.’ 

It’s when companies assign new responsibilities to employees without paying them more, which is becoming more common with layoffs.

Some say this is a great way to provide new opportunities for people and helps foster and retain talent from within. Sounds like exploitation to me.

If you’re absorbing more work and responsibilities, have a conversation with your manager and ask to be compensated fairly.

Have a contingency plan.

Living in constant fear of possibly getting fired isn’t healthy, but having a backup plan is. Consider the steps above and start doing some reflection exercises, narrative creation, and fostering relationships. 

Keeping your LinkedIn profile up to date and optimizing it will make it easier for hiring managers and recruiters to find you.

You need more guidance & accountability.

Consider hiring a career coach. They can provide resources, keep you accountable, and help you focus on achieving your goals. This is a business relationship that requires a financial and time investment.

BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL to learn more about coaching with me in a 1:1 or group setting. 

Find a mentor. They can give you useful and relevant advice in your field. They don’t cost anything, but because it’s a mutually agreed-upon relationship, it does require time to create trust.

I’m rooting for you. Reach out to me if you need anything.