What should I do after being laid off?
The short answer
In the first week: negotiate severance, file for unemployment, and take 3 real days off. In weeks 2-4: audit finances, refresh materials, activate network. Job-search from a rested position, not a panicked one.
Signals to weigh
- 01How many months of runway you have — that determines urgency, not fear.
- 02Which industries in your network are hiring right now.
- 03Whether your last role has skills you want to double down on, or move away from.
How to decide
- Step 1Negotiate severance — ask for 2 weeks more, an extra month of health insurance, and a positive reference.
- Step 2File for unemployment the day you're eligible. Money bought is time bought.
- Step 3Take 3 days fully off before you touch LinkedIn.
- Step 4Audit expenses. Runway determines strategy.
- Step 5Warm up 20 old contacts before you cold-apply to a single role.
Framework used
OODA Loop →Full walkthrough of the framework, with examples and pitfalls.
Consider these alternatives
- ·Contract or fractional work to bridge income and keep momentum.
- ·A short sabbatical if you have runway and were already burnt out.
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