Survival Kit After Layoff

1. Take a deep breath. Layoffs are more common than you think.
2. Make sure you have a liquid runway of 6 months
3. Cut down any unnecessary expenses
4. Take a small break. We are always stressed at work. A small block of time with your thoughts alone can work wonders.
5. Think of something you wanted to do but couldn’t because of lack of time and do it
6. Once you feel relaxed, start looking. Remember, your job now is to find a new job.

Cheers!

1. Visit crematorium one day and you will realise all this is bullshit

2. Spend some time going to slum area and you will understand people can be happy in 10k earning also

3. Visit stores operated by handicapped and you will understand how much lucky you are

You need to setup a routine. Your job hunt is going to be a numbers game. And the emotional toll is really high. So here’s a routine I followed during my downtime.

1. Make your bed in the morning. This most basic task will anchor your whole days discipline.
2. Eat 3-4 meals at proper times. Avoid binge eating when feeling down. But have comfort food, choclates etc.
3. Setup a job application time. Could be in the morning afternoon or evening as per your preference. If you are going to do cold outreach to recruiters, hiring managers etc do your research in the evening and message them first thing in the morning. Email scheduling helps. LinkedIn requests have a high chance of being accepted during office hours.
4. Track your applications in an excel. Will help in keeping things in perspective. Status of applications is easy to track
5. Relax in between. Game, go for a walk, read a book. You are not going to be in control of the hiring process. Don’t overthink. N number of reasons why the recruiter hasn’t reached back, or the feedback is delayed.
6. Settle in for rejections. Refer to point 4. Other fish in the sea.
7. Upskill. Rework on strengths. Improve your weakness.

We all have been in this boat sometime or the other. There’s always land. It just takes different time period to reach it.

Travel to your favourite place and read bhagwad Geeta. Find your consciousness before jumping to another job.

PS Runway 6m is must

Take a break, go home, spend time with your family. They might keep you engaged. Dont hurry and start applying, make sure youre okay mentally. Then start applying, and have liquid runway for like 6-8 months