Your Position Has Been Eliminated

“The business didn’t do as well as we predicted last year. We’ve had to restructure and make some budget cuts. Unfortunately, your position is one of the ones being eliminated.”

The last words you want to hear at work.

They were clear. They were honest. And they still echo days later.

This was my first layoff. My first corporate job. I had been there for over seven years — nearly my entire adult life. I didn’t expect one meeting to close that chapter.

In the days since, the question has been simple and heavy:

What now?

Unemployment forms.

Health insurance decisions.

Updating my resume.

Refreshing LinkedIn.

Thinking about retirement accounts.

Trying to remember that a budget decision is not a verdict on my worth.

Even when you know it isn’t personal, it can still feel deeply personal.

The First Emotion I Didn’t Expect

The first thing I felt wasn’t anger. Or even sadness.

It was shame.

Which doesn’t make much sense. This wasn’t about performance. It wasn’t about mistakes. It was a restructuring decision — numbers on a spreadsheet.

But shame showed up anyway.

For a little while, I sat in it alone. I hesitated to tell people. Even though my mom knew the meeting was happening. Even though friends were ready to support me. Even though I have former coworkers who have since reached out with nothing but kindness.

If you’re in this position right now, please don’t isolate yourself — even briefly — like I did.

Reach out.

Your people may not say the perfect thing. But they will show up. And that matters more than perfect words ever could.

What I’m Doing (In Case It Helps You Too)

If you’ve recently been laid off, this is what’s helping me. Take what works. Leave the rest.

1. Let Yourself Grieve

Seven years is a long time. That chapter mattered.

So I took the weekend.

I got Starbucks. I ate comfort food. I spent time with my dog. I saw a friend. I let myself feel it instead of immediately panic-applying to every open job listing.

Grief doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means something mattered.

2. Make a Plan — But Pace Yourself

After giving myself a moment, I made a list:

• File for unemployment
• Review health insurance options
• Update my resume
• Update LinkedIn
• Draft a strong cover letter
• Begin applying

Then I spread it out.

I know myself well enough to know that if I applied to 30 jobs in one day, I’d burn out immediately — and probably wouldn’t submit my best work.

Right now, I’m focusing on thoughtful applications. A handful a day. Personalized cover letters. Quality over chaos.

Progress, without panic.

So far, I’ve filed for unemployment. I’ve sorted out my insurance. I’ve applied for several roles. I have a phone interview next week and a potential contract opportunity in the works.

Not everything is done. But momentum is building.

3. Keep Living Your Life

Finding a job is my priority.

It does not need to consume every waking minute.

I’m still going to the gym. Still running errands I’ve been putting off. Still seeing friends. Still spending extra time with my dog. Still writing (even when inspiration has disappeared).

I’ve never really had time off like this before. I don’t want it to be defined by anxiety.

If You’re in This Season Too

You’re not alone.

Scrolling social media lately, I’ve realized how many capable, talented people are navigating similar transitions. Industries shift. Budgets change. Roles disappear.

That does not mean your value disappeared with them.

You are allowed to feel disappointed. Or scared. Or relieved. Or hopeful. Or all of it at once.

I don’t know exactly what comes next for me yet.

But I do know this:

This wasn’t my fault.

My work still matters.

My experience still counts.

And I will land on my feet.

If you’re here too — we’ll figure it out.

One steady step at a time.