What to know when you’re let go

Business and political environments can change suddenly, and organizations must adapt. Sometimes those changes cause entire groups or departments to suddenly be eliminated, and employees can find themselves laid off with little or no warning. While a layoff is never a pleasant experience, you can lessen its impact on your life and career. Adjust your attitude. Take some time to process what has happened—especially if the layoff has come as a shock. Don’t make any rash decisions, and especially don’t say or write anything in the heat of the moment. Stay professional throughout discussions; the people in the room who are letting you go may not be the ones who made the decision. Try to remember that a layoff occurs because of changes in the internal functioning of the organization, and it does not reflect on you personally or on your professional abilities. Gather your research. Ask about and negotiate