Bouncing Back from a Layoff: How to Heal, Rebuild, and Regain Your Confidence with Emily McMahon

Hey friends! It’s a new week, which means new stories. I created this newsletter for people to share their stories. Layoffs have been happening left and right, and I know some people are just trying to make it. Emily Mcmahon survived 11 months of job searching and the emotional rollercoaster that came with it. Now, she is here to help you transform your layoff story from an ending into your most powerful beginning. This isn't just career advice—it's your survival guide for reclaiming your professional identity when everything feels uncertain.

Hi, I’m Emily! A passionate marketing professional who thrives on helping people navigate challenges—both in their careers and in life. I believe in resilience, reinvention, and the power of community and I’m so happy you’re here!

If you've been laid off, know this—you are not alone, and this is not the end of your story. New opportunities, connections, and possibilities are ahead.

I see you. I’ve been there—I was laid off twice in two years, and spent 11 months searching for a new job. It’s exhausting, emotional, and sometimes terrifying. But there’s a way through. Here’s what helped me recover from what I can only describe as layoff PTSD—that lingering stress, anxiety, and self-doubt that follows job loss.

Give Yourself Time to Grieve and Rest

You just lost something significant—your routine, your financial security, maybe even your sense of identity. That hurts. The pressure to immediately jump into job searching is real, but if you can afford to, pause first.

● Take a few days (or weeks) to slow down.

● Have easy mornings. Make breakfast. Drink your coffee slowly.

● Take long walks. Journal. Cry (ugly cry if you need to).

● Watch your comfort shows. Catch up with friends.

● Treat yourself to coffee or a meal out—small joys matter.

You don’t have to rush into “the grind.” Give yourself space to process.

Reconnect with Your Network—No Agenda Needed

Networking feels icky when you're doing it just because you need a job. So instead, start with human connection.

● Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and friends—just to catch up.

● Talk about life, not just work. Ask about their families, hobbies, and travels.

● Offer help if you can. Sometimes the best way to find opportunities is by supporting others first.

These casual conversations often lead to unexpected job leads when you’re not actively trying to “sell” yourself.

Redefine What Success Looks Like for You

This is your reset moment. Maybe your last job wasn’t as fulfilling as you thought. Maybe it drained you. Maybe you were staying for the paycheck, not the passion.

Ask yourself:

● What kind of work excites me?

● Do I want to pivot industries?

● Could I consult, freelance, or start a business?

● What does success actually look like for me?

A layoff forces reflection—and that’s a gift. Use this time to make sure your next step is one that truly aligns with who you are and what you want.

Remember: You Are Not Your Job Title

You are not your last paycheck. You are not the company that let you go.

You are brilliant. Talented. Capable. Your worth is not defined by a job…it never was.

If you’ve been laid off, I see you. I feel for you. And I promise you that this is not the end. You will bounce back, stronger than before.

And when you do? You’ll look back and realize this was just the beginning of something better.

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