
I’ve been through a layoff before, and honestly, it felt like the ground disappeared under my feet. But here’s what I learned: job loss is rarely about your performance—it’s often a business decision. The first thing I did was give myself 48 hours to process the shock. Then I updated my LinkedIn profile, reached out to former colleagues, and set a daily routine. Within three weeks, I had two interviews lined up, and one to a role with a 15% salary increase.
If you’re in this situation, focus on three things: severance negotiation, skill refresh, and network reactivation. Most companies offer 1–2 weeks of severance per year of service, but you can sometimes negotiate for extended health benefits or outplacement support. Use that time to take a free online certification—I did a project management course that made my resume stand out.
Here’s a quick breakdown of common severance offers I’ve seen in the US tech sector:
| Years of Service | Typical Severance (Weeks) | Extended Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | 2–4 | Rare |
| 3–5 | 4–8 | Sometimes |
| 6–10 | 8–12 | Often |
| 10+ | 12–26 | Almost always |
Remember, your network is your safety net. I reached out to 30 people—10 responded, 3 referred me, and 1 became my next boss. Don’t hesitate to ask for informational interviews; most professionals are happy to help.

I’ve been on the hiring side too, and let me tell you—when a candidate has been laid off, I don’t see a red flag. I see someone who’s free and probably motivated.


