Navigating the emotions of layoffs.

The struggle is real. From someone who’s been there.

I was 2 weeks into my dream job at that time with a global manufacturer and I began hearing the rumblings of “we’ve always been on the radar to be shut down, we’re too expensive”. 1 year into what was a rewarding job, with an amazing group of people and a company I thoroughly enjoyed working in, it happened. Town hall meeting, office cafeteria, every employee present. “Due to the reality of the present economic times (a recession), a decision has been made to close operations in Canada.” What they didn’t say is they were being shipped to the USA. The utter shock that settled in was like nothing I’d ever felt. The job, the people, my career, stability, benefits, and guaranteed income as I knew it, were mostly gone, in a minute. I’d never lost a job before so this was uncharted territory for me, not to mention I didn’t have the luxury at the time of having a significant other whom I shared expenses with, I was flying solo.

A layoff isn’t just a professional event it’s a deeply personal one. The moment you hear those words, “the company is shutting down”, or “moving operations to…” or “your position has been eliminated,” a wave of emotions hit: disbelief, sadness, frustration, anger in some cases, relief. As I did then, and for many Canadians right now, this reality has become all too familiar.

While we often rush to update résumés or start job searching right away, applying to every job on every job platform, the truth is taking time to process such an event is instrumental in learning from and overcoming it. However you chose to move forward from it, just remember to give yourself some grace. Having been “in the trenches” during uncertain economic times, there is value in lessons and insights I gained that helped me move forward with confidence, intention and strategy, when the time was right. I’ll be speaking to that in a future post this month. Stay tuned.

In the meantime I’m sharing some insights in hopes they help. They did for me, I hope they do for you.

1. Allow yourself to feel , not fix

It’s natural to want to “solve” the situation immediately. But emotional processing isn’t something to skip; it’s the foundation for clarity later. Whether you feel angry, embarrassed, or unsure of what’s next, give those emotions space.

A practical tip: set small, intentional routines daily, a morning walk, going to the gym, or talking with a trusted friend. These simple acts create stability when everything else feels uncertain.

2. Separate identity from employment

For many professionals, work becomes intertwined with identity. When that’s taken away, it can feel like losing a part of yourself. But you are not your job title. You are your skills, your character, and your impact all of which remain intact.

Try reframing your self-talk: instead of “I lost my job,” consider “My role ended, but my career continues.” The distinction matters it reinforces agency and growth. Agency is ownership, you are the master of your own destiny.

3. Lean on your support system

Isolation is one of the biggest silent challenges after a layoff. Reach out to people who listen without judgment not just those who offer quick solutions. Sometimes exploring avenues such as online communities, reading articles, speaking to your network, exploring specialized services, and even brief conversations with others co-workers who’ve gone through it can help you feel seen, understood and provide tools to move forward.

When I was laid off, 10 of us from different departments left and treated ourselves to lunch at a restaurant which lasted well into the the late afternoon... That lunch changed so much for me. Being with people who got it, were living it, helped. It also opened the door to something more, new friendships formed by a bond that would live beyond what was a job. The human experience of sharing, bonding and overcoming. Insights were shared, stories, laughs, it didn’t fix it, but it sure helped the drive home.

Remember, connection fuels resilience.

4. Focus on what you can control

When circumstances feel out of your hands, focus on the small things that are within your control. This could mean updating your LinkedIn profile, reviewing your finances, or setting short daily goals. Each step, however small, restores confidence and momentum.

Even one intentional action each day like writing a list of your strengths or identifying what you enjoyed most about your last role starts shifting your mindset from reaction to reflection.

5. Explore options

Sometimes organizations will offer Outplacement Support through a service provider. Mine did and it was absolutely invaluable to me. I’m still connected with that individual, his guidance proved to be a welcomed anchor. If you haven’t been offered this by your organization, ask. It can’t hurt.

If not, there are options for you as an individual to seek career transition services. Many people hesitate to consider career coaching or transition guidance because they view it as something “extra.” But in times of uncertainty, professional support can be a powerful stabilizer. It’s not about replacing what you’ve lost; it’s about equipping yourself for what’s next.

6. Reconnect with what gives you meaning

As the initial shock fades, begin rediscovering what truly motivates you. What kind of environment allows you to thrive? What values do you want reflected in your next opportunity? This isn’t just reflection it’s data for your next chapter.

When the economy is struggling and you have lost your job, bills are due, family obligations are plenty and the responsibility of a mortgage is a reality, making time to “process” may seem counterintuitive. I get it, but it also enables you to make sound decisions for your future.

When you use this transition to reconnect with purpose, your next role becomes more than employment. It becomes alignment.

Final thought. A note of hope, from someone who’s been there.

Layoffs may close one door, but they also clear space for growth you might never have chosen voluntarily.

Managing job loss will take the time you make for it. Just remember, you are not starting over, you’re starting from experience. Even in uncertainty, there is forward motion. Sometimes, in loss there is also opportunity to do the things you’ve always wanted to.

You haven’t lost your worth, only a workplace.