I got laid off on Friday and I’m not sure how to process the emotions and get closure. It feels weird to not be going to work tomorrow. I didn’t get to say goodbye to my coworkers. How do I move on?

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The first time I got laid off was terrifying. I was young, had no savings to speak of, and didn’t really understand how to go about freelancing.

But, you need to know that I was okay and you will be, too.

Take a deep breath, wake up at a normal time tomorrow, and get your unemployment docs together. Send a brief email to teammates you want to stay in touch with. Then leave your apartment. Go buy yourself a coffee or whatever and take a long walk. Go to a park for an hour. In all seriousness, you need to get out of the house so you can prove that losing this job didn’t wipe you off the map.

Tuesday, wake up at your normal time and start looking up agencies and who is looking for junior account talent. If you’re in NYC join the Facebook group NY ad jobs and networking.

Just take deep breaths and put one foot in front of the other. It’s okay to be scared, it’s not okay to do nothing. You’re going to be just fine, I promise

likeupliftinghelpfulsmart

Just know that you will be okay. It’s happened to me twice now - the first time I freaked out a lot. This time I’m really enjoying freelancing and going on random adventures I’d never have time for otherwise.

I know it hurts and sucks and is generally confusing, but know that you will be okay. If you’re in NYC, go to the petting zoo part of the Central Park Zoo. It’s a pretty time for it, weekdays are usually pretty slow there, and nothing takes you out of your own head like feeding a cow in front of the city skyline on a Tuesday. Maybe that’s just me.

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Keep it professional and send them emails. No need to explain in depth, just let them know you’re no longer there and hope to stay connected. I would also make sure you’re connected on LinkedIn

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We’re hiring!

likehelpful

definitely connected on Linkedin. Reach out to some and ask to meet up for coffee or drinks or whatever.

I have a coworker whose position was eliminated and he stops by for lunch once a month. Left on great terms, keeps it progressional.

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Don't forget to look up your states rules for applying for unemployment benefits. In NY you have to have been fully unemployed for one full week before becoming eligible for benefits, and you have to have been paid on a W2 (so even if they called you a freelancer, but paid you on a W2, in the eyes of the unemployment office, you're eligible for the same benefits as someone who was full-time). Getting unemployment in place will at least give you some financial security while you look for the next gig, especially if you don't have a lot of savings. Also, keep in mind that the job market is generally very strong right now, so you shouldn't have a super hard time finding something. Get in touch with old coworkers/ superiors to let them know you're looking and to ask for recommendations so they're lined up when you're asked for them in an interview.

likehelpful

Keep your chin up. Many of us get laid off. Try to use it as a learning experience, and start looking for other jobs. By all means connect with your desired coworkers and keep it positive/professional.

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Great responses here. It happens to almost all of us. Take a day or 2 off and enjoy the city, then jump into the job hunt. Definitely reach out to any connections to let them know what happened. You never know who could connect you to your next role.

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Reach out to those coworkers you want to stay connected, they will be happy to hear from you and could even be great resources as you look for your next job.

Often times layoffs are a great chance to think about what you really want in your next position. I was laid off from my first agency and it really was the best thing that ever happened to me. It lead me down a different path and to a much healthier work environment.

While you are looking, take a moment to appreciate the time off. Establish a schedule that includes taking care of yourself, working out, seeing family and friends etc. Then you will be fully recharged when the right position comes along.

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It’s happened to most people in their career at one point or another in this business. Keep your head up and take a few days to get over the shock before looking for a new job. Something good will come out of it.

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The law in Advertising says if you care enough you’ll get fired/let go at least 3 times in your career. Some people will say that’s just cuz you’re shit but we all know it’s more than talent. More often than not its cash flow. Don’t take it personally. In 6 months you’ll look back and be like why did I worry

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Sorry to hear that :/ It definitely reallyyyy hurts at first. I’ve been there myself...twice in fact. And, as others have also been saying...you will get through this. You will probably even come out better on the other side.
Getting laid off does not change your value as a person. Nor does it define your talents or what is possible for you to achieve. Push through and use this as an opportunity to find the place or the job that you’re truly meant to be at. As they say, when one door closes, another one opens...but, you do need to look for it. Go get ‘em. We believe in you.

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Advice no one else has mentioned: once you've had time to regroup and recollect yourself, think critically about what you do well, what you want to do, what you don't do well, and what you no longer want to do. This will help clarify how you sell yourself (what do you bring to the party?) and help you prepare for the future interview question "Why did you leave your last job?" Be honest with yourself. Ask former colleagues for their feedback, be your own HR coaching.

You should be able to answer something like "I was laid off and that gave me a moment to reflect on what I really wanted from my next role. (Whatever) is what I do well and I'd like to do more of, (whatever else) is an area into which I'm looking to develop." And that will help you focus on what you want to do next.

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Same boat. Can you please provide the link to NY Ad Jobs?

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Thanks for that, CD1. Needed to hear it again.

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@CW1 don’t do that. Everyone in our industry knows layoffs happen, so they don’t reflect on you the way a termination for cause does. However, if you lie that can come back and bite you. Depending on your jurisdiction, your former employer may be allowed to disclose more than just dates of employment

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Keep your chin up and hang in there! Give yourself a week or two to do things you enjoy, get outside and relish the beautiful weather when you’re not stuck at a desk inside. When you feel ready, get your resume together and start hitting the pavement — your LinkedIn networks will be invaluable. Best of luck, I promise it will be ok soon!

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Every single person on this app has been or will be laid off at some point.

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