Free checklist: your first 48 hours after a layoff

No signup needed. Work through this list while you decide what to do next. It is general information, so check the rules that apply where you live.

Protect yourself first

• Do not sign anything on the spot. Say you will review it and respond by a specific date.
• Write down what happened: the date, who told you, what was said, and your last day.
• Ask HR in writing for your final pay date, PTO payout, benefits end date, severance terms, and how your equity is treated.
• Save personal copies of your offer letter, pay stubs, performance reviews, and equity documents. Do not copy confidential company data.

Protect your money

• List your cash, monthly bills, and due dates.
• File for unemployment benefits as soon as you are separated. Benefits usually begin from the filing date.
• Note when your health coverage ends and when your COBRA or marketplace enrollment window closes.
• Avoid cashing out retirement funds until you understand the taxes and penalties.

Protect your network

• Collect personal contact details and LinkedIn connections for coworkers and managers.
• Ask two people for a recommendation while your work is fresh in their minds.
• Tell a few trusted contacts what kind of role you want next.

Protect your energy

• Sleep, eat, and move. Decisions are worse when you are exhausted.
• Tell one person how you are actually doing. If you ever feel unsafe or hopeless, contact local emergency services or a crisis line right away.

Want the full 30 day plan with severance questions, health coverage comparison, and email templates? See the Layoff Survival Kit.