About My Seven Lessons From Seven Layoffs

By Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady

Why I Started The Layoff Lady

I remember the good old days when I felt bad for my friend Tricia because she had been laid off four times. When I found myself working through my post-layoff career transition number seven, I decided I needed to do more than just find myself a new professional "day job." I also committed myself to documenting my lessons learned. I wanted to create resources that could benefit others who unexpectedly found themselves unemployed. 

Out of that decision, The Layoff Lady was born. I share my insights through blog articles, educational sessions, speaking engagements, podcast interviews, and my book Seven Lessons From Seven Layoffs: A Guide. I committed myself to sharing what I had learned to help people  on who have been part of a layoff, who are in job transition, and people who want to proactively build their career resilience to help ensure their professional success.

About The Seven Layoff Lessons

Through my seven layoffs and many conversations with others in post-layoff career transition, I have learned seven core lessons that can help you navigate this challenging time. 

If you are in the midst of a post-layoff career transition, these lessons speak directly to the unique challenges you will face as you navigate from layoff day until the first day of your new job. 

If you're currently employed, but aware that no one is immune to layoffs, these lessons can help you understand the layoff experience and plan ahead just in case it happens to you.

Let's briefly review my seven lessons. In future blog articles, I'll expand on each lesson in more detail.

Lesson One: Experience your emotions and manage your mindset. 

Right after a layoff, people often act hastily out of sheer unbridled panic. Instead, you must attend to two key tasks right away: feeling your feelings and choosing your career transition mindset. Getting your head on straight before springing into action will prepare you for the challenges ahead.

​​Lesson Two: Keep your mind on your money (& your money on your mind). 

Most people work to pay their bills and afford the life they want. Unfortunately, when your job ends, so does your main income stream—and possibly your health insurance, too. Making the right short-term changes can help you weather the storm while also minimizing long-term financial repercussions. 

Lesson Three: Ask yourself, "What do I want to be next?" 

Few people take the time to step back from their work life and think, “Is this really what I want to do?” When you go through an unplanned job change, seize this rare opportunity to revisit your career path.  Take time for a little structured soul searching and actively decide what you want both long-term and in your next job. 

Lesson Four: Shape and share your story.

Finding a new job is all about you telling the story of your career. You get to shape your professional narrative so you can share your compelling story with colleagues and potential employers. Learning to talk about where you’ve been, your skillset, and where you’re going is powerful. Weaving in company needs with who you are professionally will help you communicate your value more effectively.

Lesson Five: Help people help you.

​It’s hard for many of us to ask for help. If there was ever a time to avoid going it alone, this is it. Overall, people genuinely want to help others through trying times. You can assist them by being mindful of what you need and asking just the right person. Letting people help you will make managing the emotional, logistical, and practical aspects of this career transition easier. 

Lesson Six: Examine your energy to take control of your time.

When it comes to achieving a goal, people often focus on time management. While checking the right items off a task list is valuable, having the energy to do so is often overlooked. Figuring out those right things to do, prioritizing tasks, and factoring in your energy levels will help you sustain your job search momentum for the long haul. 

Lesson Seven: Assess, adapt, and rise above.

Having a plan for success is critical.  It is even better to assess how it is going, adapt when needed, and rise above challenges. By anticipating roadblocks and thinking through possible solutions, you can proactively alter your game plan as needed. Learning as you go will help you build resilience and cultivate successful outcomes.

For The Whole Story

For all the information on each of the seven lessons pick up a copy of my book  Seven Lessons From Seven Layoffs: A Guide. 

Learn More

• The Layoff Lady: I Just Got Laid Off--Now What? ​
• eBook: Seven Lessons From Seven Layoffs: A Guide by The Layoff Lady
• Paperback: Seven Lessons From Seven Layoffs: A Guide by The Layoff Lady