Layoffs Suck—Here’s How to Be Ready Anyway 😩

Layoffs suck. There’s really no nicer way to say it.

We see headlines about big tech companies doing mass layoffs, but what doesn’t always make the news is how often it’s happening quietly behind the scenes. 😣 Companies are very good at making everything look “business as usual” on the outside while internally, roles are being cut, teams are being reshaped, and people are being let go.

You’ll rarely hear the word “layoff” directly. Instead, it’s “restructuring,” “reorganization,” or “role elimination.” Same outcome, just better PR 😬

And what makes it worse? Your manager is often caught in the middle. Most of the time, they don’t have control over the decision and can’t even give you a heads-up. So while it impacts everyone involved, it hits hardest for the person being laid off.

Which is exactly why being prepared matters more than ever!

1. Shift Your Mindset 🧠

No matter your employment type—full-time, contract, or self-employed—no one is immune.

I’ve seen people get laid off after 30 years at the same company. Thirty. Years. Let that sink in 😳

We love to label certain jobs as “stable,” but the reality is nothing is 100% guaranteed. Even in traditionally secure fields, layoffs can still happen.

Personally, I’ve been on contract my entire career. And yes, people sometimes assume that means less stability. But if anything, it’s helped me mentally prepare for uncertainty. I’ve always operated with the mindset that things can change quickly—and that’s made me more adaptable. 🙃

I treat my career like I always have one foot in and one foot out 🚪
I show up, work hard, and perform—but I also stay open to new opportunities.

Not because I’m unhappy, but because:

• You never know what’s out there

• You learn your market value

• You build confidence through interviews (this is a skill that we need to practice!)

Even if you don’t leave your job, staying open keeps you ready. Think of it as keeping your foot hovering over the gas pedal 🏎️

2. Build a Strong Financial Cushion 🛋️

At the end of the day, a job funds your life.

It pays for your food, your bills, your lifestyle. And if we’re being honest—if money wasn’t a factor, most of us probably wouldn’t be doing the exact same job 😅

That’s why an emergency fund is non-negotiable.

Aim for at least 6 months of expenses—more if you can, especially with how unpredictable costs are right now.

A simple way to calculate it:
Monthly expenses × 6 = your baseline

And be realistic. If you’re used to a certain lifestyle, don’t assume you’ll suddenly cut everything overnight. Habits are hard to break, especially under stress.

Also, keep this money in a high-yield savings account so it’s accessible but still earning something on the side 💰

3. Work Toward “FU Money” 👋

If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, you don’t have flexibility—you have pressure. 🫤

You’re more likely to stay in roles that drain you, tolerate things you shouldn’t, and make decisions based on fear instead of choice.

But when you start saving and investing, you create options.

That’s what people mean by “FU money.” Not in a reckless way—but in a freedom way.

It gives you the ability to:

• Leave a toxic environment

• Take a pay cut for better work-life balance

• Turn down opportunities that don’t align with you

It shifts your mindset from “I need this job” to “Is this job right for me?” 👏

And that’s a powerful place to be.

4. Stay Connected 💻

Your network matters—a lot.

Stay in touch with your colleagues and even your manager, even if they were the one delivering the news.

In many cases, layoffs aren’t their decision. And if you had a strong reputation, they may think of you when opportunities open up again. I’ve seen companies rehire former employees once things stabilize—it happens more often than you’d think.❗

Your coworkers are also valuable connections. They may refer you to roles, connect you with hiring managers, or help you skip the application line entirely.

Because let’s be real—applying online and hoping for the best is… not the most reliable strategy 🙃

5. Remember: This Is a Chapter, Not the Ending 📖

Layoffs can feel personal, even when they’re not.

It’s frustrating, discouraging, and sometimes blindsiding. You put in the time, the effort, and the energy—and suddenly, it’s over.

It can make you feel like just a number.

But this is not the end of your story.

With the right mindset, financial preparation, and consistency, you will find your next step—whether that’s another job, a better opportunity, or even a completely new path.

We’ve seen it happen:

• Simu Liu was laid off before becoming a Marvel actor 🎬

• Steve Jobs was fired from Apple… then came back and changed everything 🍎

• Warren Buffett was rejected from Harvard Business School… now he’s one of the richest investors ever 📈

• Walt Disney was fired for “lack of creativity” (imagine that)

• J.K. Rowling was rejected multiple times before Harry Potter took off 📚

Sometimes, the setback is actually the setup.

So yes—layoffs suck.

But if you prepare for them, they don’t have to break you. And who knows… they might even redirect you to something better.