EASY vs HARD: What Really Helps When Layoffs Hit

𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗬 = 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗮 𝗯𝘂𝗱𝗱𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗴𝗼𝘁 𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝗼𝗳𝗳.
𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗗 = 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗮𝘆 (𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲). 🤔

I know this because I’ve been on that side of the table…more than once.

👉 My very first job out of college? Sales rep at Sabin Robbins paper company (yes, like The Office 😅). I got laid off. I cried. I felt completely lost.

👉 Then it happened again—twice more—including at Johnson Controls. That one even forced me to pack up in Los Angeles and move back to the east coast to start over.

So yeah, I get it. Layoffs knock the wind out of you.

Here’s what actually helps someone when they’re in that place:
✅ Listen first. Let them vent before throwing out advice.
✅ Remind them their worth isn’t tied to a job title.
✅ Share useful resources. Resume writers, job coaches, LinkedIn experts—people who know the game.
✅ Offer your network. A warm intro can change everything.

And here’s the kicker: even if you feel “safe” at work—don’t assume you are. I thought I was, too. Companies change directions overnight. Be ready with your own game plan before the rug gets pulled.

Bottom line? Support is more than “thoughts and prayers.” It’s action.

If you know someone who’s in that in-between place, share this with them.
Let’s get them moving toward their next opportunity. 🚀

— Matt Warzel, MJW Careers
Helping jobseekers market themselves better with resumes, LinkedIn, interview prep & more.

Let’s chat your career and soar together, baby 📅👉 www.calendly.com/mjwcareers

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