Day 1 through Day 90: Your complete action plan
Complete these tasks TODAY. Check them off as you go.
Now that the shock has passed, execute these tasks.
COBRA is often NOT the best choice. Let's do the math.
Most people don't know severance is negotiable. Here's your playbook.
Know exactly how long you can sustain your job search.
Copy-paste templates for awkward conversations.
After [X years] at [Company], I'm starting a new chapter. I'm proud of what we built together: [specific achievement]. I'm now exploring [target role/industry] opportunities where I can [value you bring]. If you know of any opportunities or just want to connect, my DMs are open. #OpenToWork #[Industry] #[Skill]
Hey [Name], Wanted you to hear this from me first - I was part of the [layoff/restructuring] at [Company]. My last day was [date]. I'm taking a few days to regroup, but I'd love to stay in touch. Your support during [specific project] meant a lot to me. If you hear of any [target role] opportunities, please keep me in mind. And let me know how I can help you too. Best, [Your name]
Hi [Former Manager], I hope you're doing well. As you may know, I was recently impacted by [layoff situation] at [Company]. I'm currently exploring [target role] opportunities and wondered if you'd be comfortable serving as a reference for me? We worked together on [specific project] and I think you could speak to my [specific skills]. I completely understand if you're not able to - no pressure at all. Thanks, [Your name]
Hi [HR Contact], Thank you for sending over the separation agreement. I've had a chance to review it carefully. Given my [X years] of contributions to [Company], including [specific achievement], I'd like to discuss some adjustments to the package: 1. Severance: I'm requesting [X weeks] instead of the offered [Y weeks] 2. Healthcare: Coverage extension through [date] or [X months] of COBRA paid 3. [Other item]: [Specific request] I'm committed to ensuring a smooth transition and am happy to discuss this at your convenience. Best regards, [Your name]
"[Company] went through a restructuring that affected [X number] of roles, including mine. While I was proud of [specific accomplishment] during my time there, I'm actually excited about this transition. It's given me the opportunity to be more intentional about my next step, and [Company you're interviewing with] is exactly the kind of [mission/challenge/opportunity] I'm looking for because [specific reason]."
"I was laid off from [Company] this week. I'm doing okay - it was part of a larger restructuring, not performance-related. Right now, I'm focusing on [specific next step]. What would help me most is [specific request - e.g., 'if you hear of any openings' or 'just normal conversations, not about the job search']. What I don't need right now is [gentle boundary - e.g., 'advice about what I should have done differently']."
Job loss is a grief process. Track how you're feeling.
Where you are right now is normal. It gets better.
"This can't be happening." "There must be a mistake." Feeling numb, disconnected.
"How could they do this?" "I gave them everything." Rage at the company, leadership, situation.
"If only I had..." "Maybe if I call them..." Replaying scenarios, self-blame.
"What's the point?" "I'll never find anything." Low energy, isolation, hopelessness.
"This happened. Now what?" Ready to move forward, see new possibilities.
Vetted free resources to help you land faster.
File for unemployment in your state immediately.
Find Your State's Unemployment Office >Special enrollment due to job loss. Often cheaper than COBRA.
Explore Coverage Options >6-month programs, financial aid available, hired by Google partners.
View Certificates >Everything you need to land your next role.