New Here

How Do I Bounce Back After My First Layoff?

Oct 25, 2023

In this podcast, HR consultant Meloney Sallie-Dosunmu and listener Nydia Bryan Martinez share their experiences and insights on recovering from a layoff. They discuss emotions, strategies for moving on, navigating severance packages, leveraging power in a layoff situation, and express gratitude to the audience.

26:03

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Quick takeaways

Financial preparedness and reevaluating priorities are essential after a layoff.

Navigating the aftermath of a layoff requires self-compassion, legal advice, and exploring new career paths.

Deep dives

The Emotional and Financial Impact of Being Laid Off

In this podcast episode, Nydia and Melanie share their personal experiences of being laid off and the emotional and financial impact it had on them. Nydia discusses the initial shock and feeling of being shattered, while Melanie shares how she felt crushed and lost personal value. Both guests highlight the importance of financial preparedness and reevaluating priorities. They also discuss the complexities of navigating unemployment benefits and the need to seek assistance when necessary.

Introduction

4min

The Experience of the First Layoff

10min

Recovering and Moving On After Layoff

2min

Navigating Severance Packages and Public Assistance

2min

Leveraging Power in a Layoff Situation

8min

Expressing gratitude to listeners and promoting engagement and the podcast

2min

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)