Unemployment can strike anyone, anytime. Losing your job is a disruptive shot to the ego, not to mention a loss in steady income.
If it seems as though you’re noticing an uptick in substantially sized layoffs, you’re not alone. But whether you lost your job at one of the world’s biggest tech companies or were just laid off from a small mom-and-pop shop, there are some actions you want to avoid. Here are some of the biggest mistakes after losing your job — and how to avoid making them yourself.
Failing To Negotiate With Your Former Employer
For most people that endure the difficult experience of being laid off, a severance package can provide a sense of reassurance. Just don’t assume that you can’t ask for more.
When possible, be sure to negotiate your severance package — which can include insurance coverage, job assistance, and unused vacation time — so that you’re not missing out on any potential extra money. Simply tell your boss or your HR rep that you’ll need a bit more time to adequately review the terms of the package before coming back to them with a counter offer.
Refusing To Tap Into Your Network for Job Leads
The last thing that you want to do while being unemployed is to let your pride get in the way of promising new job leads. One solution? Reach out to people in both your social and professional circles to gauge what kinds of new job opportunities might be out there. You could even be referred to a role that isn’t listed yet.
Layoffs can hit pretty much anyone, and leaning on your friends during your time of need can help provide an extra push in the right direction.
Venting on Social Media
Look, there’s no denying the fact that social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok invite people to ramble on about both trivial and significant moments in their lives. While you might be tempted to trash your former company by way of a social media post, it’s always best to resist the urge. You don’t want to end up burning any bridges with co-workers or bosses from your last job, because you really never know what could happen further on down the road. One of your old co-workers could end up being your manager at a different company in the future — and you don’t want things to get awkward.
Falling Out of Touch With Old Co-Workers
Not only is there an innate value in keeping the friendships you built with co-workers from various jobs alive and well, but these kinds of friendships can also give way to new job leads after being laid off. Keep in touch through mindful texts and invitations to catch up over a meal or coffee every now and then.
Disregarding Lower Paying Jobs
While knowing your worth is important, at a certain point you may have to take a minor or even significant pay cut just to secure a new job. Any amount of money by way of a newfound income stream is better than no money at all. The last thing you want to do is fall hopelessly behind on your bills. Doing what you can to minimize the amount of time you have on your resume between jobs is important to prospective future employers.
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Dipping Into Your Retirement Funds
Listen, we know desperate times call for desperate measures. But dipping into retirement funds when you’re unemployed will only hurt you down the road. Making an early withdrawal from your 401(k) will most likely result in tax penalties, unless you qualify for hardship withdrawals. Instead, tap into your emergency fund if you have one.
Neglecting Your Mental Health and Emotional Recovery
After job loss many people push through without addressing the emotional impact — stress, anxiety, loss of identity, or depression — which can slow down recovery and cloud judgment. Experts emphasize that ignoring these emotional responses can lead to burnout, reduced motivation, and struggle during the job search. Taking time to process feelings, maintain routines, and seek support (friends, therapy, or support groups) can improve resilience and overall well-being.
Failing to File for Unemployment Benefits
A surprisingly common mistake is not applying promptly for unemployment benefits or failing to fully understand all financial support options available to you. Filing for benefits early can provide crucial income support while you search for a new role. In addition, reviewing other financial supports (like short-term disability, emergency assistance programs, or healthcare continuation) helps protect your finances short-term.
