So I have been affected by layoffs and will lose my job in August.

49 Comments

1. Barb HansenMarch 22,2023 at 5:53PM UTC

   Here's what I would do in a similar situation:

   I would not panic. I'm not saying that you are panicking, but getting laid off is stressful, and it's good to try to lessen the stress, so I would take the next few months as an opportunity for me build a plan.

   1- I would start investigating companies that I wanted to work for, competitors and/or companies that share a similar industry.

   2- I would start networking with people who worked at those companies who I thought had an interesting work history or shared a connection with me.

   3- I would then want to learn about other industries that hired people like me and if any of those industries interested me, I would start to expand my knowledge of that industry.

   4- If my career leant itself to working as a freelancer/contractor, I would investigate other freelancers and freelancing platforms, I would connect with a few contractors and see if they would share their thoughts on their industry.

   5- If my company offered post-severance assitance (job hunting services) I would use every minute of those services.

   6- I would talk to employees at my current company to see what they are going to do after they are laid off (assuming others are getting laid off). For ex-employees, I'd want to see what companies they are working at now, and if anyone was working at a company that I'd like to work at, I'd reach out to them and see if they'd be open to chatting about their experiences.

   7- I would start looking at job openings to see if any job fit me. If yes, I would reach out to the hiring manager (or apply) and if I got an interview, I would let them know that I'm not available to work until August (assuming that my company was going to provide me with a severance that was worth staying until August).

   8- If I was offered a great job now that provided me an incentive to leave my current job early, I would do just that - leave early. (again, assuming that the new position provided a monetary gain that superseded any severance)

   Good luck!

2. Michelle S.March 22,2023 at 8:42PM UTC

   I’m really sorry that this is happening to you, but I would recommend that you get your résumé and cover letters ready and start looking ASAP. If they are trying to keep you there as long as possible through monetary benefit, I would be leery of that because it’s taking people up to a year to find jobs right now, so any compensation they’re offering to stay until the end may not be worth all the extra time you could potentially be off work. Best of luck to you!

3. AnonymousMarch 22,2023 at 9:53PM UTC

   I want to suggest pausing. Are you going to be offered a severance package that will be paid out 1 time or over time as long as you're not employed? If paid out over time it typically stops as the agreement is typically only if you're unemployed. I think it's ok to prepare, but pause. 20 years is a lot of invested time that may bring a chunk of change. Find out more. You have time. Prep and Pause.

4. Sabrina CortesMarch 22,2023 at 10:26PM UTC

   I'm so sorry you got this news.

   While you have some time and shouldn't panic, I'd start looking at jobs you're interested in and establish relationships with Recruiters/Hiring Managers of companies you think you want to work for.

   I'm a professional Resume Writer and would be happy to give you a free resume review. (Don't worry, I'm not spammy because I don't like getting spam so, why would I do that to someone else, ya know)? If you're interested, feel free to email me at sabrina@writewithsabrina.com.

   Sending you positive vibes throughout your job search!

5. AnonymousMarch 23,2023 at 1:00PM UTC

   Morning - First, you're fortunate to know ahead of time that you're job is going away & when - That said, I'd start the process now as the search, selection and interview process can easily take 6 months or more...Plus, you'll want to get your resume updated & fresh now since the application tools have changed a LOT in 20 years. You have some leverage to tell any perspective employer you're available "start date" - i.e. September for example - which gives you a little breathing room between jobs. The market is starting to shift & correct a bit, so don't wait too long

6. AnonymousMarch 23,2023 at 1:30PM UTC

   Now , get your resume updated and start looking at jobs you may be interested in also since you have not interviewed in a long time practice , I used the camera feature on my computer and taped myself so I could watch later and go back over it , get yourself updated on interviewing and start reaching out o your network never to soon to start, it can take awhile to find a new job

   good luck!

7. AnonymousMarch 23,2023 at 3:52PM UTC

   I would say it depends. Is there any incentive package (additional severance) that is only available if you stay the entire time? I would start now on polishing the resume and start looking to understand the job market and saving as much as you possibly can in the event your departure is accelerated. Depending on the market in your field, if you have been in the same job for 20 years, you could jump ahead of schedule for a considerable salary increase, making the "stay bonus" a moot point. Timing for starting the search depends totally on the market and your readiness to begin interviewing.

8. AnonymousMarch 23,2023 at 4:50PM UTC

   Thank you all so much for your suggestions and comments! This will be a new chapter for me, but it will be good :)

9. AnonymousMarch 24,2023 at 6:30PM UTC

   You're positive attitude will go a long way!

10. AnonymousMarch 23,2023 at 5:30PM UTC

    Firstly don't put 20 years on your resume. I would start looking now - its taking 3-6 months to find jobs for most people, especially in tech companies, and make your resume speaks all about the accomplishments that you have made during your tenure there and downplay the 20 years part of else you could be aged out of conversations. Be sure to write a cover note when you apply at all times and explain what you want in the next role. Be bold apply to a lot of things even ones where you only fit ~75% of what they want. Go for it now.

11. AnonymousMarch 23,2023 at 10:46PM UTC

    Prepare yourself just in case the company pushes up your date of separation. So many things cam happen during 5 months. You want to be proactive on this.

12. Liz MilneMarch 24,2023 at 5:19AM UTC

    Now - start looking and applying - if you find a new position, go early from the company that's letting you go. Any benefits you are due should still be paid to you because you wouldn't have been looking had you not been laid off...

13. Courtney KnittelMarch 24,2023 at 12:21PM UTC

    Make sure if you take something “early” that it doesn’t affect any kind of severance. And use the sick days before you go, make sure they will payout vacation and what that looks like.

14. Michele ChambersMarch 24,2023 at 5:35PM UTC

    And I would add to that make sure to get in your doctor's appointments, dental checkups, etc., while you still have health insurance from your current employer.

15. Liz MilneMarch 26,2023 at 2:16AM UTC

    Yes, absolutely, don't lose anything by it!

    In the UK, once you've signed your redundancy package, most companies are happy to let you go early once you've found something new and it doesn't affect your money/ benefits etc.

16. AnonymousMarch 24,2023 at 12:29PM UTC

    Now, but first - sign up for the LinkedIn premium account (you can take it month by month) you'll get access to their job search - which right now is best. Take a look at LinkedIn learning - upskill or brush up on your basic skills (one you pass a test in them, it's captured by LinkedIn). There are a lot of articles on setting your LinkedIn profile to the best advantage - consider the advice. Next set up profiles in both Indeed and Glassdoor. Set job alerts for what you are seeking so that you get an aggregate of the latest postings sent directly to your email - but don't just rely on that algorithm . The job market right now is 'in the media' awesome. In reality - 'not so much'. Be patient, be consistent. If you have the leaning use ChatGPT to help you with keywords for your resume and to craft drafts of your cover letters. I've been at this for 8 months. Make sure that you are making connections with people and network. AND TAKE A VACATION - you should be rested, in the right head space, and positive when you get rolling on this.

17. DeBorah WalkerMarch 24,2023 at 12:32PM UTC

    Asap, so you can take your time and strategize for the best position that suits you at this stage. You've been at the same company for 20 years; so seek, explore, and research what would be good for you. You may want to consider the position you're in now, the similarities of companies your values and so forth start now.

18. Sarah ChapinMarch 24,2023 at 12:36PM UTC

    As soon as possible. My former company gave us a warn act notice of 60 days and violated it because they ran out of money. You have to look out for yourself because the company will be doing the same for itself if they run of money sooner

19. AnonymousMarch 24,2023 at 12:37PM UTC

    I was dismissed after 8 years service,and being over 50 didn't help. If I was u put some buy,and then adapt 2 my circumstances. I do struggle a bit. But I'm not so stressed out and unhappy as I was . I got a another job(less money ???) but it will return some time I'm sure. Good luck and best wishes....????

20. Arlene TamMarch 24,2023 at 12:39PM UTC

    ASAP. Start fixing up your resume, doing research, networking, applying. Weigh the pros and cons of your severance offer vs. taking the new job at its new salary. You may feel the new salary outweighs the severance package and leave earlier.

21. Stacy WigginsMarch 24,2023 at 12:40PM UTC

    If it is public knowledge and your current company haven’t placed any perimeters on it then it is up to you on how soon you start applying. Some people take some much needed time off before they start the process. Me I started immediately because the entire process can take months. It all depends on where you are mentally, financially, and personally.

22. Katherine Metres Akbar, Interview Coach & Resume ExpertMarch 24,2023 at 12:54PM UTC

    I take it from your question that you feel you owe them to stay until August and want to know how soon before then you will need to start your job search. But you don't. They might even appreciate your lowering their salary obligations sooner.

    According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average job search takes 5 to 6 months. That said, it doesn't have to take that long. (Our median client gets a new job in 2 months from resume finalization.) If you started applying now and got an offer well before August, you could resign with two weeks' notice and enjoy your new job, which will likely come with a substantial salary bump. Of course, you'd be forgoing severance, but I think the salary bump (national average is 7%, though our clients get an average 20% increase), plus removing the stress of not knowing how long you'd be unemployed, would be worth that. For more help on job searching, check the free resources at YESwriting dot com.

23. Tammy HagerMarch 24,2023 at 12:56PM UTC

    Start the job hunting asap it takes a few weeks maybe longer for the interview process to wrap up. Unless you have a good severance pkg and if that's the case take some time off to regroup and relax.

    The same thing happened to me after 19 years! I had 6 mo. Severance and took the summer off with my granddaughter when she was 4 it was a wonderful summer!

    Good luck to you!

24. KellyW43March 24,2023 at 1:04PM UTC

    Start right now. If you find another position, then you can put in your notice and start another position.

    Good luck in your search.

25. YvonneMarch 24,2023 at 1:25PM UTC

    Sorry to hear what happened but compared to a lot of others, the company is letting you know well in advance. I was told 2nd week of Jan that I my job was ending at the end of jan. From my experience, it could take 3-10 days before you get a response from a company you applied to followed by the phone screen and then the line up for interviews. Could be 3-4 rounds if you are put through. I still don’t have a new position but am getting the interviews. If there is a clause that you have to stay till your end date start, I would start applying around May/June. If no clause, start now. Good Luck!

26. AnonymousMarch 24,2023 at 1:32PM UTC

    Start now. Some companies take a month or more to respond. Also, see if you can connect with a networking group to hear tips and tricks from others in the job search. Also, learn what you can about LinkedIn and the algorithms - these make or break as well... Good luck!

27. Alka ChopraMarch 24,2023 at 1:38PM UTC

    I am so sorry to hear. My suggestion-Ask them to pay for an outplacement agency. Get your linked in profile, base resume and cover letter updated before you start to look. If your company does not pay for the out placement you can find several free ones on linked in. If you can spare $1000, I know a good one that I am working with.

    Depending upon your level it can take 3-9 months to find a job. I have been looking myself since October 2022 and now have stared to get some traction on interviews. Interview process can easily take take 4-5 weeks minimum.

    Make use of the generous notice you have been given by your current organization.
    Good luck, I would be happy to help in any way I can

28. AnonymousMarch 24,2023 at 1:52PM UTC

    I know it's hard to start over. I applied through Boulo Solutions. They match your skills to those that are looking all over the U.S. The service was free; you just had to sign up. I did find a WFH job that I love. Another company that found me a job was using Profit Factory based out of Canada. You have to fill out the applications they use perfectly, but once you do, you'll have tests to take and they will also match you. I applied to these positions 3 years a part. The one I have now is through Boulo which is a higher paying position. I also liked using Flex Jobs which helps to make sure the sites are legit. There is a service for the use but well worth it. They also give you tips on how to search. I am 60 years old and just started my new job last year, so don't worry, you can do it!

29. Marianne JavillonarMarch 24,2023 at 3:53PM UTC

    I had a professional company revise my LinkedIn, resume, and cover letter for my targeted position that I want to obtain. This ensured that my resume was ATS-compliant for the position I am looking for.

30. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMarch 25,2023 at 2:49AM UTC

    There is no such thing as an "ATS compliant resume".

31. AnonymousMarch 24,2023 at 4:24PM UTC

    Start applying for something new right away! That way you’re still employed while you’re searching and if you find a new job before August you can just leave sooner (as long as it does not impact your severance agreement). Let them deal with losing you sooner than they anticipated, so they can handle whatever chaos emerges from leaving you sooner than they prefer! You don’t owe them anything anymore and also make sure you have references lined up, including recommendations on your LinkedIn (get that updated and looking good immediately)!

32. Michele ChambersMarch 24,2023 at 5:26PM UTC

    Start applying ASAP. It can take months to find a new job, so you should give yourself as much of a head start as possible.

33. AnonymousMarch 24,2023 at 6:18PM UTC

    how blessed (lucky?) you are that you've been given some notice, and you've accomplished 20 years in one work place. I know this is scary, SUPER SCARY (been there/done that in 2018)--but you're being treated respectfully and have been given SOME NOTICE by your current employer, instead of being dropped off a proverbial cliff, as many experience. with that being said this might be your golden opportunity to truly rethink your career: Do you live where you WANT to live? If not, maybe this is the time to move. Do you wish you had time to do mission work, travel abroad for a year, finish a master's degree, apply for a grant, or take time off to care for an aging parent? This might be your time to make the move! So I would view this as a chance to make THAT MOVE that you've always sort of wanted to do, but couldn't....and if you want to stay in the same industry, then try beefing up your skills with Linked In or other courses, reach out to your network, and see how this all plays out. our Son in law had a similar thing happen; he was told in March that he would be out of a job (with 2300 others) in September. he and our daughter (his wife) decided to return to their hometown...and he did contract work. (that was 12 years ago; he's now a super successful performer in his field...) Keep us posted!

34. AnonymousMarch 24,2023 at 6:36PM UTC

    It took me almost a year to find a new job. I hate to be negative about the process but I had a horrible experience! I was hired as a stand by for one position, and it was explained to me that I would be on a waiting list to start when the next training session opened. However, the second recruiter told me differently. She said I would bounce from one waiting list to the next waiting list, all the while going without pay. I finally had to decline the position after the background check because I needed to earn a living wage! I was also hired for a position with weird night hours and had to decline. Finally, one recruiter got the date of my interview wrong and I sat in a Zoom meeting for over 30 minutes before I realized it wasn't going to happen, (this was a high paying job.) Finally, I applied for an entry level position (I have over 15 years of experience) and was hired during the interview. I took a pay cut but it's a permanent role and I can apply for another position within 6 months. The company had great online reviews and I start Monday. There's more stories about the process that I can share but I am going to save it for my book. Among the wreckage is, vetting my own company because Glassdoor didn't show any reviews for it; there was nothing online about it except the website, and when I googled the company it looked like an abandoned building. The takeaways from all this is: start early, and be weary of recruiters. As the new role follows the chain of command from one recruiter to the next, the requirements and hours change, the directives change and even the position takes on a new life. Ask questions, take notes during the interview, remain calm and carry on. I wish you well. Good luck!

35. Jo Ann Egan-GindvilleMarch 24,2023 at 7:16PM UTC

    I would say right now! What are you waiting for?

36. AriaMarch 24,2023 at 8:08PM UTC

    Don't wait. Between the time you apply, the applications are reviewed, you get interviewed, several times, you finally get a position and then you start, it'll take months....

37. Lisa GoldenMarch 24,2023 at 9:00PM UTC

    You don't have to apply this early but, certainly update your resume and begin to network! Good luck.

38. Christi MillerMarch 24,2023 at 9:42PM UTC

    Update your resume. Since it has been awhile, you may want to have your resume reviewed by a reputable company. Update your LinkedIn profile. There are lots of free tutorials on that on You Tube. The best advice I was given was to look up people in your field/role on LinkedIn, see how their profiles are similar and what key words they use, and then use similar key words for yours. Once these are updated, reach out to contacts to let them know you are actively looking. You can also start looking at company job boards to see what's out there at companies you are interested in. Take time to think about what you want and don't want in your next role.

39. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMarch 25,2023 at 2:46AM UTC

    Yesterday. Job searches these days are a marathon, not a sprint. It can take many months, sometimes over a year, to find a new position. Do you have any severance coming that would figure into the timing? That's the only reason that I can think of to not get started asap.

40. AnonymousMarch 25,2023 at 10:02PM UTC

    Yes I do have a sizable severance that will pay out after my last day.

41. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMarch 26,2023 at 12:17AM UTC

    In that case, I would start getting your resume in shape, making sure your LinkedIn profile is up to snuff, start networking and if you see something particularly interesting, go ahead and apply - August is only 4 months away.

    GOOD LUCK!

42. Laura BrennanMarch 25,2023 at 3:42AM UTC

    So much good advice here! I would add that strengthening your network right now is essential.

    Networking gets a bad rap, but if you think of it as meeting peers, finding people you genuinely like and want to help, and letting them help you, it's neither scary nor sleazy.

    Make a list of everyone you know at your current company, everyone you know at any other company, everyone you know in your professional realm/association/industry and think about, okay, who are the ones I actually like? See how you can support each other. Yes, there'll be some one-on-one coffees, etc, but a better way to network is to bring together, say, five of you (you plus 4 others who may not all know each other) at lunch or happy hour and get to know each other. Figure out who's good at what and where you can help them -- other than being a connector, which they will appreciate! Where can you let them help you? Rinse and repeat.

    One way to grow a strong network is to invest in your network. Being a connector of others is a great way to do that.

    You will have a lot -- a lot -- of questions about what else you might want to do, where your skills are transferable, what exciting things are going on in other industries... This is a magnificent time to start setting up informational interviews. You can reach out to people you don't know well, or even don't know at all, and ask for 20 minutes of their time to talk about their particular field/expertise, because you are looking to change careers. (They do not need to know you're being laid off, although you also don't have to hide it. Entirely up to you.) These are informational interviews, not job interviews, so there's no pressure; you will learn a lot, meet a lot of new people, find out about companies you may want to apply to... there's really no downside.

    Absolutely key: always follow up with a thank you immediately (no further ask, just thanks), and then follow up two weeks later either letting them know you took some of their advice and something good came out of it, or letting them know another piece of good news. Show that you are someone worth investing in. Again, there is no request here, just a sharing of good news and thanks.

    A strong network will answer questions, keep you apprised of opportunities, and provide help and encouragement along the way. Kind of like here!

    Good luck on your new adventure!

43. Bradford McCormickMarch 25,2023 at 4:15AM UTC

    Great advice! Network! Network! Network! (Aside: Networking may also make you feel less lonely in your search, too. I speak from eaxperience. If I was graded on Networking, I'd get a big "F", and I paid for it.)

44. Laura BrennanMarch 25,2023 at 6:04PM UTC

    Great point about networking making you feel less lonely! We are social creatures and we do genuinely want to help each other. People with a strong network may even live longer.

45. AnonymousMarch 25,2023 at 10:42AM UTC

    I would update your resume,create/update your LinkedIn, research companies and industry's you're interested in , possibly look into certifications and then apply. Start the process now, don't wait.

46. AnonymousMarch 25,2023 at 3:06PM UTC

    This is batter to..

47. Venise VinegarMarch 25,2023 at 8:01PM UTC

    If you have some planned savings for a rainy day, what a wonderful opportunity to take some time to reflect, refresh, renew and reset. How soon you start is up to you. Wishing you all the best in 2023 and beyond.

48. AnonymousMarch 26,2023 at 7:58AM UTC

    Dear it is a life spun that will a turning point of your life success. Be strong and will gat possible job for you nice finance. Just resume your experience on any what you like job to

49. AnonymousMarch 28,2023 at 2:59AM UTC

    Sorry to hear this! Yes like others have posted here, get your resume updated, update your Linkedin profile. Also gives you opportunity to think about your career, what it is you like. don't like and type of company The good news is you have so much experience so make a list of your achievements and successes. These will help with interview process.

    Agree with others look at all your options not only applying but reach out to your network in LinkedIn or people you know for referrals. It all helps. It can be scary but don't worry. I went through my first layoff 5 years ago and was out of work for about 3 months. I also recommend reaching out to a careers coach as they can help you with understanding what your careers goals/next steps and updating resume and LinkedIn. Stay positive and I wish you all the best!