how to prepare for a layoff.
While my layoff had a somewhat happy ending, I still wish I had been more prepared for it.
So, if I ever go back to working for a company, I’ll make sure to knit myself a safety net while I’m there.
Getting laid off would still suck, but at least I’d be less anxious about the next steps.
It’s not about preparing for the worst but more about feeling like you have choices when things happen unexpectedly.
Here’s what I’d do differently:
Instead of waiting for my performance review to come around, I’d keep a running list of my projects and tasks and how they contribute to the company's business goals from the very first day. I would note who I partnered up with, how I influenced the decision-making, and any learnings and feedback. It’s great to showcase impact like this, and trying to dig up numbers after losing access to the company’s dashboards is a bit of a nightmare.
Instead of leaving my resume untouched and ignoring my LinkedIn, I’d keep them both up to date. There’s something very reassuring about knowing that you could introduce yourself to a company any time, plus people might get in touch with opportunities, too. Crafting your resume is also a nice exercise to reflect on your path, appreciate your work, and dream about what you might want to do next.
I’d regularly check in with myself about my needs and whether my work aligns with my values. This can give me some much-needed perspective and remind me that I can consciously choose how to react to some news. I’d likely look for a coach to support me with this while I’m still employed (instead of waiting until I’m out of a job and much more worried).
I'd connect more with people outside of my office bubble. There are so many supportive communities and inclusive networking events out there. Nurturing relationships with others will remind me that there’s more to explore beyond my role and industry and that if something happens, I’ll be surrounded by kind people looking for opportunities with me.
about the author:
Hi there! I'm Silja, the founder of the wholesome growth club, an inclusive hub for career coaching with a soft spot for introverts and perfectionists. I’m an Amsterdam-based expat, but I love connecting with people worldwide. With a background in recruiting, I know the struggle of crafting a career path that feels truly yours. At the wholesome growth club, we're all about fostering sustainable growth, meaningful engagement, and authentic connections. Our blog is dedicated to making coaching accessible and sharing insights to approach work and life with an extra dose of confidence, slow productivity, and self-compassion. If you are curious to make things happen for yourself, get in touch—we offer personalized coaching journeys that will get you closer to your (dreamy) goals in no time.
