A field guide for the first 30 days

Laid off? Breathe.Then take it one day at a time.

You do not have to solve everything this week. lay-offs is a calm, practical guide: what to do on day one, what to sort in week one, and how to build a money runway and a next-job plan in the weeks after.

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Orientation only. Not legal or financial advice.

A person in a linen jacket, seen from behind, walking along a wooden path beside a misty lake at sunrise
Day 1 · go outside for ten minutes

Before anything else

It is normal to feel numb, angry, relieved, or all three in one afternoon. Nothing on this page needs to be done tonight. Most of it needs to be done in the right order, with a clear head, and with someone qualified checking the details that are specific to your country and contract.

01 · The 30-day timeline

Three stretches, one calm order.

  1. Day 1Slow down, then gather

    Do not sign, do not send, do not spiral.

    • Ask for the termination terms in writing and read them before you sign anything.
    • Note your last working day and who your contact is for questions.
    • Keep copies of what you are allowed to keep: contract, payslips, reviews.
    • Eat something, drink water, go outside. Decisions can wait until tomorrow.
  2. Week 1Find out where you stand

    Questions first, forms second.

    • Understand your final pay, holiday balance and which benefits end when.
    • Check unemployment-benefit eligibility and the deadlines in your country. Some places expect you to register quickly.
    • Sort out health coverage so there is no gap.
    • Talk to a qualified employment lawyer or your local employment agency about your specific case.
  3. Weeks 2–4Build the runway and the plan

    A small routine beats a big panic.

    • Work out your money runway: what you have, what you spend, how long that lasts.
    • Update your CV and online profile while the story is fresh.
    • Tell your network, plainly and without apology. People want to help.
    • Set a gentle weekly rhythm for the search, with rest built in.

02 · The checklist

Eight things worth doing in order.

Tick them off as you go. Nothing is saved, so screenshot it or print it if you want to keep your place.

An open blank notebook, a pen and a cup of coffee on a wooden kitchen table in warm morning light
Do the maths at the kitchen table, not at 3 a.m.

03 · Money runway

How many months can you breathe?

Your runway is the number of months your usable savings can cover your essential spending. It is a planning tool, not a verdict. Knowing the number usually feels better than not knowing it.

usable savings÷monthly essentials=months

Not legal or financial advice. lay-offs is orientation, not counsel. Rules on notice, severance, benefits and deadlines vary by country and by contract. Talk to a qualified employment lawyer or your local employment agency about your situation.

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