The Moment You Find Out
Getting laid off is one of life's most stressful experiences. Whether you saw it coming or were completely blindsided, the first 24 hours matter more than you might think.
Remember: A layoff is a business decision, not a reflection of your worth. This moment will not define you.
This guide walks you through exactly what to do—hour by hour—to protect your finances, secure your benefits, and set yourself up for a successful transition.
Hour 0-2: In the Meeting
Stay Calm and Professional
When you're told you're being laid off:
- Don't sign anything immediately—you have time
- Take notes on what you're told (or ask for everything in writing)
- Ask clarifying questions about timeline and next steps
- Request your severance package in writing before you leave
Questions to Ask Before Leaving the Building
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| What is my official last day? | Affects benefits, pay, unemployment |
| When will I receive my final paycheck? | Know when money is coming |
| How long do I have to review severance? | Usually 21-45 days |
| What happens to my health insurance? | COBRA timing is critical |
| Can I get my personal files/contacts? | May lose access immediately |
| Will you provide a reference? | Get this commitment now |
Hour 2-4: Secure Your Access
Before You Lose System Access
Many companies revoke access immediately. If possible:
- Forward important personal emails to your personal account
- Download work samples (that don't violate confidentiality)
- Export your LinkedIn contacts if you used the company account
- Note down important contact information for colleagues
- Remove personal files from your work computer
What NOT to Take
- Confidential company documents
- Client lists or proprietary data
- Trade secrets or intellectual property
- Anything you didn't create yourself
Hour 4-8: Review Your Severance Package
What's Typically Included
| Component | Standard Terms |
|---|---|
| Severance Pay | 1-2 weeks per year of service |
| Health Insurance | COBRA offer (you pay full cost) |
| Unused PTO | Usually paid out (check state law) |
| Stock/Options | Vesting may accelerate or terminate |
| Bonus | Prorated or forfeited (review policy) |
| Outplacement | Career coaching services |
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unreasonably short deadline to sign (you're entitled to 21-45 days)
- Broad non-compete clauses that limit your job options
- Waiving unknown claims without understanding what you're giving up
- No consideration beyond what you're already owed
What's Often Negotiable
✅ Additional weeks of severance pay ✅ Extended health insurance coverage ✅ Outplacement services ✅ Positive reference language ✅ Non-compete modifications ✅ Equity vesting acceleration
Pro Tip: If your severance seems standard, it's still worth asking for more. The worst they can say is no.
📘 Need help negotiating? Our free Layoff Handbook includes word-for-word severance negotiation scripts.
Hour 8-12: Understand Your Health Insurance Options
The 60-Day Window
You have 60 days from your coverage end date to:
- Elect COBRA continuation coverage, OR
- Enroll in an ACA Marketplace plan
COBRA vs. ACA Marketplace: Quick Comparison
| Factor | COBRA | ACA Marketplace |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Same as employer plan | New plan options |
| Cost | Full premium + 2% admin | Varies; subsidies available |
| Monthly Cost | Often $500-$2,000+ | $0-$500 with subsidies |
| Doctors | Keep current doctors | May need new network |
| Timeline | 60 days to elect | 60 days SEP window |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose COBRA if:
- You're mid-treatment and need specific doctors
- You have high medical needs this year
- You've already met your deductible
- You can afford the premium
Choose ACA Marketplace if:
- You want lower monthly costs
- You qualify for subsidies (most people do in 2026)
- You're relatively healthy
- You're flexible on doctors/network
Important: The American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act have made ACA subsidies more generous through 2025. Many people find Marketplace plans significantly cheaper than COBRA.
Hour 12-16: File for Unemployment Benefits
File Immediately—Don't Wait
Most states have a one-week waiting period before benefits begin. Filing on day one means benefits start sooner.
What You'll Need to File
- Social Security number
- Driver's license or state ID
- Employment history (last 18 months)
- Employer's name and address
- Reason for separation
- Bank account info (for direct deposit)
2026 Unemployment Benefits by State (Examples)
| State | Max Weekly Benefit | Max Duration |
|---|---|---|
| California | $450 | 26 weeks |
| New York | $504 | 26 weeks |
| Texas | $577 | 26 weeks |
| Florida | $275 | 12 weeks |
| Massachusetts | $1,015 | 26 weeks |
Benefits vary by state and your previous earnings. File in the state where you worked.
Hour 16-20: Assess Your Financial Position
Create an Emergency Budget
List your essential monthly expenses:
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Housing (rent/mortgage) | $_____ |
| Utilities | $_____ |
| Food (groceries only) | $_____ |
| Health insurance | $_____ |
| Minimum debt payments | $_____ |
| Transportation | $_____ |
| Total Essential | $_____ |
Calculate Your Runway
Available funds:
- Severance pay: $_____
- Unused PTO payout: $_____
- Emergency savings: $_____
- Unemployment benefits: $_____ × weeks
- Total Available: $_____
Months of runway = Total Available ÷ Monthly Essentials
Target: The average job search takes 3-6 months. Aim for at least 6 months of runway.
Expenses to Cut Immediately
- Subscription services you don't use
- Dining out and food delivery
- Non-essential shopping
- Premium cable/streaming bundles
- Gym memberships (switch to free options)
Hour 20-24: Emotional First Aid
Allow Yourself to Feel
Getting laid off triggers real grief. It's normal to feel:
- Shock and disbelief
- Anger at the company or situation
- Fear about the future
- Shame or embarrassment
- Relief (if the job was stressful)
All of these feelings are valid. Don't rush to "move on."
What to Do (and Not Do)
| ✅ Do | ❌ Don't |
|---|---|
| Tell close family/friends | Post angry rants on social media |
| Take a walk or exercise | Make major financial decisions |
| Write down your feelings | Immediately start job hunting |
| Get a good night's sleep | Isolate yourself completely |
| Be kind to yourself | Blame yourself for the layoff |
Who to Tell (and When)
Tell immediately:
- Spouse/partner
- Close family who may worry
Tell within a few days:
- Close friends
- Your professional network (framed positively)
Wait before telling:
- Social media broadly
- Acquaintances
- Extended network
Your First 24 Hours Checklist
Before Leaving the Office
- Get severance package in writing
- Confirm last day and final paycheck date
- Ask about health insurance continuation
- Return company property
- Get contact info for HR
Within 24 Hours
- Review severance agreement (don't sign yet)
- Research COBRA vs. ACA options
- File for unemployment benefits
- Calculate your financial runway
- Create emergency budget
- Tell close family/friends
Don't Rush These
- Signing the severance agreement
- Making 401(k) decisions
- Starting an aggressive job search
- Major financial decisions
What Comes Next
The first 24 hours are about stabilization—not solving everything. In the coming days and weeks, you'll need to:
Week 1:
- Thoroughly review your severance agreement
- Make health insurance decision
- Update your resume
- Tell your professional network
Month 1:
- Begin job search in earnest
- Attend networking events
- Consider skill-building opportunities
- Establish a daily routine
Months 2-6:
- Maintain consistent job search activities
- Stay connected to your industry
- Consider contract or freelance work
- Reassess budget monthly
Free Resources to Help
We've created a comprehensive Layoff Handbook course that covers everything from severance negotiation to health insurance decisions to job search strategies.
What's included:
- Step-by-step guidance for the first 24 hours, 7 days, 30 days, and beyond
- Health insurance decision framework (COBRA vs. ACA calculator)
- Severance negotiation scripts and templates
- Industry-specific playbooks
- Financial planning worksheets
Access the Free Layoff Handbook →
You Will Get Through This
Layoffs happen to talented, hardworking people every day. In 2024-2025 alone, hundreds of thousands of workers were laid off—from tech giants to startups to established companies.
This is not the end of your career. It may even be the beginning of something better.
Take care of the practical matters in the first 24 hours, allow yourself to process the emotions, and know that you have the skills and resilience to navigate this transition.
You've got this.