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

Some mix of practical and philosophical advice.

Practical one is make sure you have 6 months money for expenses like rent, loan emi, food, bills, health issues with family members etc.

If this is sorted, then take a week break and focus on what you want to do next.

Philosophical now. Count all the good things in your life. Your family, friends, no physical disabilities. So it's not the end of the world. Nothing is wrong with you. Most knowledge workers are living in luxury not knowing how hard life can become. After few days you will realise that a layoff is not that big of a deal.

If you had a PM job you are already in a good place. So not all is lost. There is so much to fall back on and you are talented . Layoffs are not due to you not doing well but due to market conditions. So don't blame yourself.
Just relax and try applying for jobs. Also upskill and do retrospective about your learning. Wish you the best. - Fellow pm

I'm sorry to hear about you layoff. Few things on top of my mind.

1. Financial Planning: Assess your financial situation, create a budget, and explore unemployment benefits or severance packages if applicable.

2. Job Search: Update your resume, network, and actively search for new job opportunities.

3. Emotional Support: Reach out to friends and family for emotional support. Consider counseling or therapy if needed. You can also try joining an Online Meditation and Breath Workshop by Art of Living which I personally have experienced and helps a lot to manage stress. You can check out on ArtofLiving.org/ohp

4. Healthcare: Understand your health insurance options, especially if your coverage was through your previous employer. Get a Good cover on personal payment which insures you in case of a medical emergency

5. Skill Development: Use the time to acquire new skills or certifications that can enhance your employability.

6. Cut Expenses: Reduce non-essential expenses and prioritize essential ones.

7. Emergency Fund: If possible, rely on your emergency fund to cover immediate needs for at least 3-6 months

8. Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude, as this can help during your job search.

Remember, it's a challenging time, but with a well-structured plan and support, you can navigate through it. All the best and you will be able to crack one soon.

APM here. Resigned from my previous role a month back. Lmk if you want to hunt together

Pretty much same story with me. But then, we gotta pay the bills.