In this episode, we’re getting into the harsh realities of the current job market and the emotional turmoil that follows a layoff. Whether you’ve been hit by corporate budget cuts, the tech industry shake-up, or the federal government downsizing fiasco, you’re not alone.
We address the grief, identity crisis, and stress associated with losing your job, and provide actionable advice for navigating the first 90 days post-layoff.
Learn why panic applying is a bad move, the importance of setting a new routine, and how to strategically job hunt. By the end, you’ll be more prepared to tackle your job search and find a role that’s right for you.
Losing your job sucks.
One minute, you’re working, attending meetings, doing your thing, and the next? Boom. You’re in a surprise meeting with HR, being told your role has been “impacted” or “eliminated” or some other corporate-speak for you’re out of a job.
And if you’ve been laid off recently, you’re not alone.
Right now, layoffs are hitting every industry. Tech, healthcare, finance, higher education—even the jobs that used to feel stable are suddenly on shaky ground. And if you’re in that boat, I need you to hear me loud and clear:
This is not the end.
I know it feels like it.
I know it feels like the floor just disappeared under you and now you’re free-falling into a never-ending pit of uncertainty.
But I promise… there’s a way through this.
The first 90 days after a layoff are a rollercoaster. You go through all the emotions—shock, panic, frustration, self-doubt—and you also have to figure out things like, How do I update my resume? What do I even want to do next? How am I supposed to job search without completely losing my mind?
The First 30 Days: The Layoff Hangover
The first month after losing your job? It’s weird as hell.
At first, you might feel fine. Maybe even a little relieved. Especially if your job was draining you. Maybe you even told yourself, You know what? This is a blessing in disguise!
And then, the reality sets in.
You wake up on Monday morning with no Slack notifications. No meetings. No reason to get out of bed, really. And that’s when it hits you—your entire routine just vanished overnight.
See, we don’t just work at our jobs—we build our lives around them.
Your job told you when to wake up, when to eat lunch, when to take breaks. It gave your days structure. It gave you something to talk about when people asked, So, what do you do? It gave you a sense of purpose, even if you didn’t always love it.
And now? That’s gone.
It’s a huge identity shift, and it messes with your head more than you expect.
You see, job loss triggers the same emotional and physiological responses as grieving a major loss like a breakup or the death of a loved one.
Because in a way? That’s exactly what’s happening.
Your brain is grieving the version of your life that made sense.
And on top of that, your stress levels are through the roof.
What to Do in the First Month
So, what’s the game plan here?
- Give yourself time to process. Seriously. Take a few days (or even a week) to just sit with this. You don’t have to jump into job searching right away. Let yourself grieve what was.
- Create a simple daily routine. I’m not saying you need to schedule every minute of your day, but having some structure—waking up at the same time, getting dressed, making coffee—will help your brain not spiral into existential crisis mode.
- Get real about your finances. Look at your savings. File for unemployment if you can. Make a game plan so you’re not making panicked decisions later.
The Middle 30 Days: The Productivity Trap
So, you’ve made it through the emotional rollercoaster of the first month. You’re feeling a little more steady. And now?
This is where most people make their first big mistake.
They panic-apply to every job on the internet.
Because it feels like the right thing to do, right? If you just work hard enough at the job search, something will happen.
But let me tell you something: job searching is not about volume—it’s about strategy.
You can apply to 100 jobs a day, but if you’re just throwing your resume into the void, all you’re doing is collecting rejection emails.
Intense, high-volume job searching actually increases stress and decreases motivation over time.
Why?
Because when you spend all day applying and hear nothing back, it feels personal. Like maybe you’re not good enough. Like maybe you’ll never find a job again.
That’s how people start making desperation moves.
They start applying to jobs they don’t even want. They accept lowball offers just to get something. And before they know it?
They’re in another job they hate, burnt out all over again.
What to Do Instead
- Focus on quality, not quantity. Applying to 5 well-researched jobs is way more effective than applying to 50 random ones.
- Leverage your network. 70% of hires happen through referrals. So if you’re not talking to people, you’re playing the wrong game.
- Set job search boundaries. Job searching is not a full-time job. Set work hours, take breaks, and protect your energy.
The Last 30 Days: The Pivot Moment
By month three, things start getting real.
Maybe you’ve had some interviews. Maybe you’ve been ghosted by recruiters. Maybe you’re staring at your savings account wondering how much longer you can afford to be picky.
This is the moment that will shape your next move.
Because now you have to ask yourself:
- Am I staying the course, or is it time for a pivot?
- Do I actually want to go back to what I was doing, or is this an opportunity to shift?
Three Paths You Might Be Considering
- Keep going—but smarter. Stay on your path, refine your job search, and push forward.
- Pivot to something new. Maybe it’s time for a career shift. A new industry. A different type of role. Something that actually excites you.
- Burn it all down and start over. Freelancing? Starting your own business? Going back to school? It’s all on the table.
This Isn’t Forever
The first 90 days after a layoff are brutal. But they’re also temporary.
The key is to move forward with intention. Not out of ear, not out of panic, but because you’re making the best choice for you.
So take a breath. You’re going to be okay.
And when you land on your feet? You’ll look back on this as the moment you took control of what’s next.
Got thoughts or questions from this week’s episode? Drop them in the comments. I’d love to hear from you! 🫶
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00:00 Introduction: The Harsh Reality of Layoffs
01:43 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Job Loss
02:39 Rebuilding After the Shock
03:33 The Layoff Hangover: Coping with Identity Loss
08:38 Creating a New Routine
09:57 Smart Job Searching: Quality Over Quantity
16:01 Navigating the Mid-Job Search Slump
17:03 The Pivot Moment: Making Strategic Decisions
22:43 Exploring New Paths: Freelancing and Entrepreneurship
23:41 Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Future
I’m Tara Kermiet, a leadership coach specializing in burnout prevention and work-life integration. I know what it’s like to feel like you’re holding it all together with duct tape and coffee. But success doesn’t have to mean running yourself ragged. I help high achievers find work-life balance and shine as badass leaders.
👉 Take my quick quiz to find out where you stand on the burnout spectrum, plus get tailored tips to help you turn things around before it’s too late. Visit: https://tarakermiet.com/free-resources/
😍 If we’re not friends yet on social media, why the heck not? Follow me on Instagram (@TaraKermiet) and/or LinkedIn (@TaraKermiet) so we can stay connected!
🎤 Got a question, a topic you want me to cover, or just want to share your thoughts? I’d love to hear from you! Send me a DM or email.
Stay balanced, stay badass, and make good choices!
Disclaimer: My content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. For serious concerns, please consult a qualified provider.
