Last updated:
Rebuild your routine after a layoff
Without a workday, weeks blur. A small routine and a few people to check in with make the search easier to keep going.
The short answer
- Fix the start of your day and the end of your search time, so it does not fill every hour.
- Put the search into blocks (see the planner) and keep time for things that are not the search.
- Find one or two people to check in with on the same day each week.
A sample week
| Day | Morning | Afternoon |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Plan the week; research roles | Applications |
| Tuesday | Conversations and networking | Applications |
| Wednesday | Learning and skills | Applications; take a walk |
| Thursday | Conversations and networking | Interview practice |
| Friday | Follow-ups and tracking | Peer check-in; review the week |
A sample, not a rule. Change it to fit your hours and energy.
Small habits that help
- Get up at about the same time each day, and get dressed.
- Leave the house once a day, even for a short walk.
- Stop searching at a set time and do something else.
- Keep a short list of what you finished each day. It shows progress when the search feels slow.
Finding people who understand
- Former colleagues who were also laid off, or who have been through a search.
- Alumni groups and professional associations in your field. Many hold regular meetups and have member directories.
- Local meetups and community groups for people between jobs.
A 30-minute peer check-in
One or two people, same day each week, three questions each: What did you do this week? What is the next step? What would help? Take turns, keep to time, and keep what is said private.
If it feels heavy
If you feel overwhelmed or hopeless, you can call or text 988, the free 24/7 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US.
Next: your first week ยท explaining a layoff
Track your applications and find jobs that fit in Second Summit (free during beta).
Browse open jobs by role and city, with the pay employers list and who is hiring.