Hearing the words “we’re letting you go” doesn’t mean your career ends—it means your strategy starts anew.
Big names like Amazon, and countless other tech firms are publishing mass-layoff announcements this month. These cuts are part of a broader trend: nearly 950,000 U.S. jobs were cut through September, the highest level in several years.
That jolt means if you’ve just received the news, you’re not alone—and the time to act is now. Here are some things matter today—not tomorrow—because the job market is moving fast and large-scale moves are underway.
1. Pause and absorb the details without panic.
Getting the layoff notice can feel like a thunderbolt—even when you’ve sensed the storm brewing. Take a moment to process the conversation: what the official reason is, which team you’re on, what the timeline of separation looks like, and what severance or transition support is offered. The clearer you are about what’s happening now, the stronger your footing will be when you move into next steps.
While the emotional hit is real—and shouldn’t be dismissed—rushing into decisions or venting publicly without knowing your rights can cost you leverage. A calm, factual mind now becomes the foundation of your rebound strategy.
2. Review your severance and negotiation window right away.
When you’re handed a layoff, one of the first questions should be: what are you getting, and how much flexibility do you have to negotiate it. For example, Amazon recently announced cutting around 14,000 corporate jobs—meaning many employees faced a sudden loss of income and benefits. Examine your pay continuation, bonus payouts, benefit transition, and any clauses regarding non-compete or confidentiality.
If you spot an exclusive clause or a short cut-off for benefits, you may have room to ask for extra weeks, extended health coverage, or even a job-search stipend. The company may expect you to say yes fast; taking a reasoned hour or asking for HR documentation can show you’re thoughtful, not desperate.
3. Update your financial runway and emergency buffer.
Job loss changes the math overnight. Even if you’ve planned well, the abrupt change in income means you must recalibrate. Review your liquid savings, any invested funds you might tap, your monthly burn rate, and how your budget must shift. Setting a clear picture of how many months you can maintain your lifestyle gives you a mental edge, not just a financial safety net.
If you’re part of an industry experiencing broader layoffs—or you’ve seen numbers like those at Amazon—you’ll want to act like your job search starts tomorrow. That means cutting discretionary spending, postponing big purchases, and opening your options now instead of waiting until your welcome email from HR becomes reality.
4. File for unemployment or benefits immediately.
When you’ve been laid off, starting the process to claim unemployment or relevant benefits should be on your radar right away. Bureaucracies move slowly; delay means less income when you’ll want it most. Having your termination date, severance terms, last pay stub, and employer information at hand speeds up the process.
Even if you expect to land a new job fast, don’t assume you can skip this step. Every dollar helps, and filing early gives you more negotiating leverage—both financially and psychologically—rather than scrambling later.
5. Tell your trusted network—strategically.
You don’t have to blast a layoff announcement on social media, but you should let your close professional contacts know you’re transitioning. Peers, mentors, former colleagues and industry friends can be accelerators in your next step. Layoffs affect hiring decisions: people who know your work and want to help may move faster when they know you’re open.
Keep the message short, professional and forward-focused: you’re in transition, grateful for what you built, and ready for the next challenge. You don’t need pity—you need possibility. That mindset keeps conversations energizing rather than draining.
6. Polish your resume and LinkedIn profile this week.
Even if you hope for a fast return at your current company or in the same role, you should act as though you’re job hunting today. Updating your resume and LinkedIn profile with recent achievements, metrics and keywords that align with the market keeps opportunities coming in. Recruiters pay attention when you’re “active.”
Looking back at Amazon’s large-scale cut, you’re not alone. That means competition will be fierce. Presentation matters. Use clear role-titles, quantifiable results, and a compelling headline that signals you’re a serious candidate—not just a resume “gap” waiting to happen.
7. Map your skills to the market and identify pivot paths.
A layoff offers a moment to ask: is your skill set still aligned with demand? Industries are shifting fast (tech alone has seen more than 180,000 layoffs this year). You may need to position yourself for roles you didn’t anticipate. List transferable skills, adjacent fields that value your experience, and gaps you can bridge with quick certifications.
Use job-boards, talk to recruiters, and note which skills are appearing in job descriptions you find interesting. This gives you a roadmap: you’re not waiting—you’re preparing. That kind of proactive posture flips uncertainty into agency.
8. Explore interim income options to maintain momentum.
The clock is running. While you search for your next full-time role, consider temporary or part-time work, consulting gigs, or freelance projects to keep income flowing and your skills sharp. Taking action keeps you visible and engaged, not stuck in limbo.
It also signals to future hiring managers that you remained active. Career gaps are easier to explain when you show you didn’t wait—you pivoted. Use this time to build your network and reputation rather than simply tread water.