How to Handle the Axe Without Losing Your Head? The Layoff Survival Kit
Before you embark on this journey, here’s a disclaimer or rather, a few disclaimers.
This article is for real men and real women who are willing to take full ownership of their lives and hold themselves accountable for their fate.
If life is harsh, you should be tougher,
But if you see yourself as a victim or tend to think that way, then this isn’t for you.
Sorry for the bucket of cold water!
The concepts presented here are based on real experiences, some I’ve personally observed, while others happened to close colleagues throughout my “8000 days” in corporate life.
The goal is to extract valuable lessons and future, not to blame the circumstances or persons that led to these incidents (although it might be worth it).
I am pretty sure that a lot of what comes into this article will resonate with you!!
Before you buckle your seatbelt, you need to understand first why layoffs happen.
(I promise This is the only academic paragraph on that article 🤓).
Layoffs may happen because of cost reductions to maximize profits, business restructuring, low performance for some Business units, mergers/acquisitions that involve overlapping roles, a new industry trend (Would AI be added to existent factors?) or even change in the strategy that requires different set of skills.
Generally, Layoffs should be the last resort for leadership after trimming extra expenses or even essential ones.
However, there is an additional, intangible dimension that is challenging to quantify and often emerges during large-scale restructurings across regions or continents. This factor, potentially a biproduct of globalization, is the influence of demographics on an employee’s likelihood of retention or departure. Key determinants include geographic location and the regulatory framework governing employment contracts. Individuals in stable, well-regulated labor markets tend to have a greater degree of job security, whereas those in more volatile environments may face higher uncertainty. And I am sure you know the map very well!
HERE ARE MY SIX SURVIVAL TACTICS
Survival Tactic 1: Don’t Take It Personally
Layoffs are not always a reflection of your personal performance. They can happen simply because you fall into one of the categories mentioned earlier, or you are in one of the locations that are comparatively easier to be laid off with minimal legal and financial implications. So unfortunately, you might be just unlucky.
(And who knows, you may be lucky, we will get to that soon, hold on!)
While it’s true that some managers may use layoffs as a way to remove employees they don’t get along with or it could be used as a retaliation tool (Those managers you should Be harsh with and don’t stay silent), however in other cases, I understand that some line managers don’t have real choices when it comes to choosing who to leave, they may be pushed by higher directions to act based on cost guidance or other business structures rationales, etc. so don’t be angry with your manager, he might be the next.
Your response should focus on staying objective and not internalizing the situation because at the end it doesn't really matter, the decision has been taken, and it even happened before you know about it.
Survival Tactic 2: Own the first moment.
This is the most crucial moment in your layoff journey. I have seen cases where individuals were so overwhelmed by the news that they had to be hospitalized. The emotional and financial toll on you and your family can be significant. But ask yourself: is it worth jeopardizing your well-being over a job that, sooner or later, you would have left anyway?
Some people experience optimism bias, believing they are less likely than others to face negative events such as accidents, illness, or layoffs. However, it’s important to recognize that no one is immune.
Regardless of your position, potential, or performance, your risk of being laid off is just as real as anyone else's in the organization. Adopting this mindset now will help you prepare for any outcome.
Be mindful that your immediate reaction in this critical moment will leave a lasting impression, it’s a direct reflection of your professionalism. How you handle this situation can influence future references and even potential rehiring opportunities.
To ensure you leave on a positive note, follow these seven key behaviors:
Stay Calm, maintain composure and control your emotions.
Think Before You Act, Avoid impulsive decisions or reactions.
Remain Professional, Stay clear of arguments or confrontations.
Seek Clarity, Ask about the objective reasons behind the decision.
Understand Next Steps, Get clear information on severance, benefits, and exit procedures.
Request Support, Inquire about recommendations or networking assistance.
Preserve Relationships, Avoid burning bridges; maintaining connections can benefit your career in the long run.
Survival Tactic 3: Turn your complaints into comebacks
Speaking negatively about your situation or the circumstances that you have been thrown in or how others were lucky in experiencing better scenarios, will only trap you in a vicious circle of negative thoughts.
We always compare ourselves to peers of similar backgrounds, financial, social and educations level, and this is why competitiveness and envy appear among people of the same nationality or near geolocations rather than those far away although this is totally irrational.
(You may read about the ‘wedding ring effect’ if interested in cognitive biases)
This mindset can subconsciously shape the narrative you build around yourself, ultimately affecting your confidence and future outlook.
Simultaneously you should Stop complaints when this happens:
When you’re not contacted by people you consider close friends, it's important to always lower your expectations. View these situations as a reflection of people's own realities. At the same time, try not to take it personally. People’s reactions could be unpredictable during tough times, and it doesn’t necessarily mean they are being unkind. Holding grudges will only hinder your own progress. Filters are off now, so watch and enjoy!
When you don't have a proper farewell party, stop complaining as a child who didn't get his promised birthday gift. A farewell party is not a reflection of your worth, it is rather a reflection of the culture of your company and the reality of those living in this culture. I have seen people who were laid off with unethical or even shameful practices and they were given fancy farewell parties as if they were top performers, so it doesn't really matter, stay objective and don't get emotional. It is not about you!
When people you trust, either externally or internally, don't offer support: distance yourself quickly and rely on your broader network. Time is critical, don’t waste it judging others.
Survival Tactic 4: Stay Ahead of the Storm
By the time you receive this bad news, you should have already prepared for it in various ways. If you haven’t, consider this a lesson because if life gives you a second chance, proper preparation can help you avoid facing the same situation again.
Strengthen Your Safety Net: Cultivate a diverse network both inside and outside your organization, including mentors, sponsors, supporters, and genuine friends who can guide you and open doors to future opportunities. Be intentional and strategic in building these relationships, but above all, be authentic.
Always remember, when it comes to job opportunities, connections often outweigh pure capability.
Secure Your Financial Future: Use a portion of your income, even as little as 10% to invest in diversified assets, build long-term passive income streams, and set aside enough savings to cover at least six months of expenses during a job transition.
Even better, start laying the foundation for your own business now, something you can grow and eventually manage after retiring from corporate life.
Expand Your Capabilities and Stay Ahead: While employed, actively seek tasks and assignments that challenge you and push you beyond your comfort zone. Continuously develop new skills, stay updated with modern technology, and earn certifications that enhance your professional profile. Strive to stay ahead of your peers, don’t just plan for your next role, but also for the one beyond it.
Survival Tactic 5: Navigate like a PRO
You’re now amid the storm. It’s natural to feel a wave of emotions, we’re all human, and we react differently to such situations. However, the only lifebuoy you have is pragmatism.
So, how can you stay composed and regain mental clarity?
Make the Most of Your Time: One of the biggest challenges for corporate employees after a layoff is suddenly having too much free time. This can either lead to frustration and negativity or become an opportunity to accomplish things you’ve long postponed.
Don’t isolate yourself, go out, meet people, reconnect with old friends and family, hit the gym, write your reflections, or create a personal learning plan to develop new skills. Stay engaged and keep yourself occupied, no matter how small the activity may seem.
Prioritize Your Mental and Physical Well-Being: Your mind and body are deeply connected, and it all starts with how you perceive and frame the situation. A strong mental outlook will not only help you stay resilient but also motivate you to exercise, lose weight, build muscle, and make up for the self-care you may have neglected during your corporate life.
Applying for Jobs (If You Plan to Stay in Corporate Life): This period is a golden opportunity to rebrand yourself. Refine your CV, enhance your LinkedIn presence, and apply for roles that challenge and expand your skill set. Don’t hesitate to reach out to people, you’ll be surprised by the unexpected support you receive.
There’s an ongoing debate about whether to aim for roles at the same level as your previous one or to consider a step down for broader opportunities. Taking a calculated risk isn’t a setback, it can be a strategic move that positions you for something greater. I’ve seen it happen many times and experienced it firsthand.
Always keep the bigger picture in mind, every career move should contribute to a compelling narrative that shows your agility, resilience, and professional growth.
Rebalance Your Family Life: This is something you’ve likely wished for over the years and now, the opportunity is here. Take this time to reconnect with your family, strengthen your relationships, and focus on the quality of your interactions. You already know how to do it, now is the time to make it a priority.
Reflect on Your Spiritual Journey: Like billions of others, I believe that life has meaning and that everything happens for a reason. This moment could be an opportunity to reconnect with your faith, strengthen your trust in God, and reflect on the sincerity of your prayers.
Every setback can serve as a reminder of humility, that we are not in full control of everything. It’s a test of faith, a chance to realign with what truly matters.
Sometimes, having too many choices can be a burden, and being guided in a specific direction can open your eyes to the path we may have drifted from.
TRUE FREEDOM OF CHOICE IS, PERHAPS, SURRENDERING THAT CHOICE TO GOD.
And in time, we all come to understand the wisdom behind our journey.
Cultivate New Habits: This is a golden opportunity to better manage your time and adopt new, positive habits. Consistency is key in making these changes. For instance, you might begin waking up an hour earlier to focus on personal development, whether through reading, writing, meditation, or exercise. You could also establish a daily routine of planning your day, creating a clear structure that maximizes productivity.
Survival Tactic 6: Flip the script on life hiccups
Why do we often view layoffs as a catastrophe, the end of the road, when they can be a blessing in disguise?
You may have been a workaholic, spending 60 hours a week at the office, only to realize that it was a mistake.
The reality is, they pay you for 40 hours and guess what?
That wasn’t a factor in the decision to lay you off.
Perhaps you sacrificed your health, your family, and your personal goals for the job. But now, you have the chance to reassess and claim what you’ve lost.
It’s also an opportunity to confront your FOMO (fear of missing out). You don’t have to be part of every moment or every conversation.
Leaving a company with a toxic culture that doesn’t appreciate sincere workers could be a blessing. It’s time to find a place where your true worth is recognized.
This could even be the moment to build your own business and gain financial freedom, something you might not have considered before.
The possibilities are endless, and often, we’re too close to see them. As the saying goes, “You can’t see the forest for the trees.”
Remember, every change can lead to something better, and it always begins with a shift in mindset believing that what comes next will be for your highest good.
I deeply resonate with this quote by Paulo Coelho:
“When a person really desires something, all the universe conspires to help that person to realize his dream.”
I know that much of what I mentioned above may sound blunt or even unemotional, and sometimes, as humans, we need to vent. However, the truth is:
Your only SAVIOR is YOU!
Sherif.
