When you get laid off its the worst feeling. Like you’ve been dumped, stabbed, and punched in the face all at once. For me I start the process of blaming myself for all the things that I didn’t do. Then after the self-flagellation I start thinking about the shame of failing my family. I start to worry about how I am going to get us back on our feet again. All those feeling happen within in hour…

The next day? You feel ok and start getting to work. Redoing a resume, then cutting costs on any subscriptions you have going that you don’t need. That lasts for half the day… Then the anger kicks in – when did they know? How did they know? How long were they planning this? You think of all the phony corporate newspeak that gets put in place and you get bitter. All that happens in a 24-48 hours.

Now? I am in the “I need to get to work” phase. Each layoff presents a challenge. What can I learn? What can I do better? How much time do I have to reflect? I need to get my resume out to the world while stepping on the gas to get the pipeline filled.

What I really want? Is a coach and team to 1. build confidence. 2. do some of the leg work of submitting resumes 3. give me the updates of where things are. It’s full time work getting a job and we all need all the help we can get.