Navigating Layoffs Without Losing Yourself
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Layoffs have become a recurring headline across industries—tech, government, retail, logistics, you name it. In just the first quarter of this year, more than 220,000 people lost their jobs. The causes? A messy mix of cost-cutting, tariffs, shrinking budgets, slower spending, and the ever-present impact of AI.
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If you’ve ever felt anxious about the possibility of layoffs, you’re not alone. One in three Americans say they worry about it. And while we can’t control the economy, we can control how we prepare, how we respond, and how we tell our own story.
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Remember: It’s Not About You
The first truth to hold onto is this—layoffs are business decisions, not personal indictments. Companies restructure, merge, or pivot entire departments. Roles get eliminated, not people. Internalizing a layoff as a reflection of your worth only makes it harder to step into your next opportunity with confidence.
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Take a Pause Before You Leap
The instinct after a layoff is often to sprint into a job search. But taking even a short pause to reflect, regroup, and plan can make all the difference. If you don’t, you’ll operate from a reactionary “fight or flight” state—and that energy shows up in interviews and conversations.
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If you have time, give yourself a structured period of reflection.
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If you don’t, carve out small daily moments—five or 15 minutes—to ground yourself.
This isn’t wasted time. It’s fuel for a stronger, more focused transition.
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How to Talk About It
At some point, someone will ask about why you left your last role. Be honest, but also be intentional. Instead of saying, “I was laid off,” try:
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“My role was eliminated during a company-wide restructuring.”
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“The organization reorganized after a merger.”
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“Industry changes led to consolidations across departments.”
These phrases are truthful while keeping the focus on the company’s shifts—not on your performance.
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Redirection, Not Rejection
A layoff doesn’t define you. If anything, it often serves as a redirection—a push toward roles and opportunities more aligned with who you are and what you want. You don’t need to minimize the anxiety or frustration that comes with it. But remember: what you bring to the table has never been tied to a single role, team, or company.