๐ผ How Employees Can Cope with Layoffs โ Emotionally, Financially & Professionally
Layoffs donโt just take away a job โ they can shake a personโs identity, stability, and self-worth. Even the most resilient individuals can feel overwhelmed. But losing a job is not the same as losing your value. With structure, support, and a clear plan, this phase can become a transition โ not a dead end.
๐น 1. First, Acknowledge the Emotional Shock
Itโs natural to experience:
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Shock or disbelief
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Fear about finances and future
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Guilt or shame when telling family or peers
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Anger or betrayal toward the organisation
What helps:
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Take 2โ3 days to process โ donโt react impulsively
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Speak to someone you trust โ donโt isolate
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Remind yourself: this is a financial decision by a company, not a personal failure
๐น 2. Get Clarity Before You Leave
Before your last working day, talk to HR about:
โ Final salary, notice period payout
โ PF, gratuity, medical insurance expiry date
โ Experience or layoff letter (important for future jobs)
โ Whether the company offers career transition support
๐น 3. Secure Your Finances
Step | Purpose |
---|---|
Calculate 3โ6 months of expenses | Helps manage anxiety |
Cut non-essential spending & subscriptions | Prevents financial drain |
Use savings or emergency fund sensibly | Avoid high-interest credit card debts |
Discuss loan EMIs with banks early | EMI moratorium or restructuring is possible |
๐น 4. Protect Routine โ It Protects Mental Health
After a layoff, time feels endless and motivation drops. Thatโs when structure saves you.
Create a simple daily plan:
๐ Fixed wake-up & sleep time
๐ช At least 20โ30 mins exercise
๐ Skill learning or job search time
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง Meals with family, social connection
๐ต Limit doom-scrolling and comparison
๐น 5. Rebuild Confidence โ Not Just a Rรฉsumรฉ
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Update LinkedIn, rรฉsumรฉ, portfolio โ make it achievement-oriented
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Ask colleagues for testimonials/recommendations
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Attend online workshops, webinars, certifications
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Reach out to mentors, seniors, HR contacts โ networking gets more jobs than job portals
๐น 6. Skill + Adapt = Future Security
Use this phase to future-proof your career:
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Learn AI tools, analytics, communication, or a second domain skill
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Explore freelancing, consulting, remote/project-based work
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Develop leadership, emotional intelligence, crisis-handling โ skills no AI can replace
๐น 7. Watch Your Mental Health
Seek help if you notice:
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Persistent hopelessness, crying spells
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Poor sleep, panic attacks, guilt, worthlessness
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Using alcohol, nicotine or cannabis to โcopeโ
Professional counselling or psychiatric help can prevent deeper depression or anxiety disorders. Seeking help is strength โ not weakness.
๐น 8. The Shift in Perspective
A layoff is not proof of failure โ it is proof of change. Many people later realise it was the turning point that led them to a better job, business, higher education, or a healthier life.
โ Final Takeaway
โ Feel it โ donโt suppress it
โ Stabilise finances and health
โ Go back to routine and self-discipline
โ Learn, network, upskill โ use this pause as preparation
โ Remember: Your job was lost. You were not.
๐จโโ๏ธ About the Author
Dr. Srinivas Rajkumar T
Consultant Psychiatrist, Researcher & Mental Wellness Educator
Mind & Memory Clinic โ Apollo Clinic (Opp. Phoenix MarketCity), Velachery, Chennai โ 600042
๐ +91-8595155808 | ๐ www.srinivasaiims.com