The Experience of the First Layoff

So you were laid off for the first time. How do you recover and move forward with your career?

We’re told that layoffs aren’t personal. They’re a business decision. But that doesn’t make the emotions any easier to process as you figure out how to move on.

HR consultant Meloney Sallie-Dosunmu has laid people off, but she’s also been laid off. In this episode, she joins one of our own listeners, Nydia Bryan Martinez, who was laid off earlier this year. They tell host Elainy Mata how their experiences have changed their careers and their perspectives on work.

They also share how they recovered from the initial shock of being laid off, how they processed their emotions, and how they reframed their careers and moved forward. And they take listener questions about layoffs.

Have a career question? Let us know at NewHere@HBR.org.

Key topics include: career transitions, personal resilience, human resource management, careers.

More Reading:

• What You Should Know About Layoffs (Before, During, and After) (Nahia Orduña)
• How to Be Ready for a Layoff, Even if Your Job Feels Secure for Now (Christine vs. Work)
• You don’t need to leave your relationships behind when you get laid off (Kelsey Alpaio)
• Managing Your Emotions After Being Laid Off (Susan Peppercorn)