Here’s the reality in 2025: you can lose your job with no warning.
I’ve worked in tech for the past four years, and during that time, I’ve witnessed thousands of layoffs and reorganizations. I have friends who have been laid off two to three times in a single year.
One day, you’re happily employed, the next, you can’t log into Slack, your key card no longer works, and you open your personal email to see an email from HR informing you that you’re no longer employed.
This week, Amazon announced that it will lay off up to 30,000 employees this year, and 14,000 have been let go already. Whether you were affected by the layoffs at Amazon or you feel your job at another company could be at risk, there are things you can do if you suspect layoffs could be coming your way.
My recommendation is that you make this a standard practice every month or two.
1. Build your networks
A year from now, it may be hard to remember who that colleague was who told you that you were the best project manager they ever worked with. Keep track of those networks now.
Record the names and contact info of colleagues you’ve worked with, along with a few notes on how you worked together. Connect on LinkedIn as well.
Should you be laid off, you now have people you can reach out to for references or introductions to opportunities within their networks.
2. Save evidence of your successes
Screenshot a shoutout from an executive and download performance reviews. You can use this to help you think through examples for interviews, and it can even serve as motivation and a reminder of your impact.
3. Record your metrics and results
You’ll want these data points for your résumé and interviews, and saving them along the way will make it much easier than having to hunt them down once you’ve left your workplace.
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4. Save work samples
Some job applications require you to share a portfolio or samples of your work. You could also be asked to do some sort of project as part of the interview process. Save this info now rather than scrambling to have people send it to you after a layoff.
5. Update email addresses on your accounts
Many of us use our work emails for work-related accounts, such as LinkedIn. Make sure you add a personal email address as well — this will be helpful for accessing these accounts should you be laid off. Otherwise, you could be locked out.
6. Maintain an updated résumé and LinkedIn profile
You can always update these after a layoff, but if you make a habit of updating them regularly, it will be far easier to kick off your job search than if this becomes another task that you have to take on during a time of stress.
What steps should you take after a layoff?
If you have already been laid off, give yourself time to grieve and process your emotions. Layoffs are traumatic, and you will need time to recover before starting your job search.
Aside from looking for a new role, there are a few things you should add to your to-do list.
1. Apply for unemployment
This can take weeks to kick in, so prioritize this as one of your first steps.
2. Understand your severance package
Make sure you understand the details of your severance package. There may be requirements to receive your full package, or it may be more beneficial to negotiate some portions.
3. Tighten up your budget
Many service providers have programs for those who are unemployed — you may be able to get a forbearance on student loans, a pause on car loans or your mortgage, or some relief on your interest rates for a credit card. You never know if you don’t ask.
Consider what expenses you can eliminate. Unemployment will not replace your full salary, so cutting back on subscriptions, streaming services, etc., might help your money go further.
4. Lean on your networks
Write a post on LinkedIn to share your update with your professional network, and also ensure that your friends and extended community are aware.
Most people probably don’t know what you do, but if you share a bit about job titles and industries that are a good match and let them know you’re seeking referrals, they may be able to help as well.
Many find that a job search can take more than six months in 2025, so the more you’re able to prepare yourself, the better your chances are of navigating that period successfully.
