9 Steps to Recover From a Tech Layoff and Revamp Your Career

If you're dealing with a job layoff, you're definitely not alone in this boat.

In 2023, 330,897 (and still counting) employees faced layoffs in the tech industry. (source: trueup.io)

Even if recent stats suggest the layoffs are showing signs of easing, companies are hiring slowly.

Dealing with a layoff can be tough. Stress levels can go through the roof, leaving you feeling all kinds of shaky and uncertain.

Whether this is your first time getting the layoff blues (which stings a lot) or you've been in this not-so-fun situation before, hunting for jobs and figuring out how to make ends meet without that steady paycheck can be darn scary.

There are many helpful solutions to keep things going while you hunt for that next awesome opportunity.

This guide should help you dodge some common slip-ups and bounce back as quickly as possible. 

We will talk about how to survive a tech layoff and things to do to recover and boost your career growth.

9 Steps to Recover From a Tech Layoff and Reinvent Your Career

1. Reflect and let go (take care of yourself)

First things first, it's totally normal to feel a mix of emotions right now—frustration, disappointment, anxiety—it's like a rollercoaster. 

Let yourself feel those emotions; it's all part of the process.

Second, reflection is key. Take some time to think about your journey at your workplace. 

What did you learn? What accomplishments are you proud of? 

This isn't just about the job; it's about your growth.✔️

You've gained skills, experience, and insights that you can carry forward. Write these down—it's a reminder that your worth isn't tied solely to your job.

Dr. John Dewey, American Philosopher and Psychologist, says, “We do not learn from experience. We learn from reflecting on experience.”

So take some time to reevaluate yourself. It’ll help in planning the next steps.

Apart from reflection, taking care of yourself is a must. Self-care isn't selfish. It's essential. 

During times like this, stress can creep in big time. Holding onto resentment or constantly replaying the layoff in your head won't do you any favours. 

So, acknowledge the situation, understand that it's a part of life, and then try to move on. Don't let it define you.

Instead, focus on prioritising your well-being. 

Exercise, eat healthily, and get enough sleep—these little things can make a big difference in how you feel.

Remember, this is a temporary phase. You're resilient, and you'll come out of this stronger than ever.

2. Get Organised 

Dealing with finances, insurance, and all those grown-up responsibilities after a layoff can be overwhelming. 

I’ll break down a few simple and effective steps for you in an easy-to-follow manner.

Create a budget that outlines your monthly expenses—rent, bills, groceries, Netflix subscription; you name it. This gives you a clear picture of how much you need to cover. 

Trim any non-essential expenses and focus on essentials for now. And remember, it's okay to treat yourself occasionally, but within reason.

Next up, your severance pay. If you received severance, make sure you understand the terms. Is it a lump sum, or will it be paid over time? 

This will help you plan your finances accordingly. 

If you're eligible for unemployment benefits, definitely look into that. It's there to help you during this transition period.

Now, insurance. Losing your job often means losing your employer-sponsored health insurance. Consider looking into migrating toward an individual health insurance policy. 

You can look up more resources on relevant portals for this.

You might also want to look into your Employee’s Provident Fund account details.

It's smart to consult a financial advisor before making big decisions.

3. Refresh your resume and portfolio

It’s a worthwhile investment to update your resume after a layoff.

A resume is one of the main touchpoints between you and a potential employer.

It can make or break an opportunity for you.

Keep it clean, concise, and targeted. Start with a killer summary that highlights your skills and accomplishments. 

List your experience in reverse chronological order, emphasising your tech achievements. Use action verbs and quantify results where possible. 

⭐Pro Tip: storytelling matters. When describing your work, use storytelling techniques. Explain the challenges you faced, the solutions you came up with, and the positive impact on the company. It helps potential employers see your value in action.

If you've worked on personal projects during your layoff, include them in your portfolio. 

It shows your passion and showcases your ability to start and complete projects independently.

A tailored cover letter can make you stand out when applying for jobs. Address the specific company's needs and how your skills align with them. 

Tell a story—mention your passion for tech, your journey, and your eagerness to contribute to their team. 

Show them you're not just after a job but a meaningful role in their tech journey.

4. Focus on skill development

The tech world evolves faster than your favourite TV show plot. 🤷

Keeping your skills fresh makes you a hot commodity in the job market.

Learning new skills also boosts your confidence and opens doors to new job roles and industries.

Not to mention it can future-proof you against layoffs.

But before you jump headfirst into learning mode, take a sec to scope out the tech scene. 

What's hot? What skills are in demand? Check out job postings, LinkedIn, and tech forums to get the lowdown.

Choose skills that excite you and align with market trends. 

It could be programming languages like Python or JavaScript, cloud computing platforms (hello, AWS and Azure), or even data science if that suits your fancy.

You can also join coding boot camps or workshops. They're like tech gyms where you sweat it out with fellow learners. 

👉Collaborating on projects can give you a taste of real-world teamwork—a big plus on your resume.

And remember that app idea you scribbled on a napkin? 

Now's the time to bring it to life. Side projects not only showcase your skills but also show your passion and creativity.

Tech is a rollercoaster, my friend. Keep feeding your curiosity by staying updated. Learning never really stops—it just keeps evolving.

✨And if you need personalised help to figure out the exact certifications or training you need, along with a direct roadmap to your dream job, try a free 1:1 mentoring session with an industry expert.

There are many resources and advice online, but working with a mentor is the best option to avoid wasting time, energy, and effort.

5. Activate your network

Focusing on networking is a fantastic way to bounce back and open up new opportunities. 

First, remember that networking isn't just about asking for favours. It's about building genuine relationships. Approach it as a way to connect with interesting people and learn from their experiences.

Update your LinkedIn profile and other relevant social media platforms. 

👉Highlight your skills, experiences, and projects. Don't forget to add a friendly and approachable photo—you want people to feel comfortable contacting you!

If you went to college, tap into your alumni network. Attend events, workshops, or webinars they might organise. 

You already have something in common, making it easier to start conversations.

With the rise of virtual events, connecting with professionals from all over is easier than ever. Attend webinars, online conferences, and workshops in your field. 

Engage in the chat, ask thoughtful questions, and connect with fellow attendees on LinkedIn.

⭐Pro Tip: When engaging in conversations, listen attentively. People love to talk about themselves, so let them. Ask open-ended questions and show genuine interest.

6. Filter your opportunities (prioritise quality over quantity)

Think of it like ordering pizza—would you rather have five mediocre slices or one amazing, cheesy, perfectly cooked piece? 

I'd choose the latter any day, and here's why focusing on quality over quantity in tech jobs is a smart move:

📌Skill development: Quality roles often offer better opportunities for skill development. 

Instead of hopping between various roles with superficial tasks, you can dive deep into meaningful projects that enhance your expertise. 

This helps you become a true tech ninja in your area of interest.

📌Career progression: Jobs that are aligned with your interests come with more growth potential. 

When you excel at what you do, promotions, raises, and leadership positions become more attainable. 

This beats job-hopping any day in terms of climbing the career ladder.

📌Job satisfaction: Imagine waking up every day excited about your work. 

Your dream job aligns better with your passions and interests, leading to higher job satisfaction. It's like finding that one game you could play for hours without getting bored.

⭐Pro Tip: Before you even start applying, figure out what you want. Are you looking for a specific technology stack, a certain type of project, or a particular company culture? Having clear goals will help you filter out roles that don't align with what you seek.

Take your time, be selective, and go after profiles that excite you and match your vision.‍

Going slower in the right direction is better than barrelling your way through irrelevant roles.

Don’t let desperation rule your decision-making!

7. Explore different roles—be open-minded

Tech is like a vast playground, and your skills are like your toys. 

Being open-minded means you're willing to pick up new toys and play in different corners of the playground. 

This adaptability is gold—it shows potential employers you're not stuck in a tech rut.

Besides, transferable skills rock: Just 'cause you were a whiz at coding doesn't mean you can't rock at project management or customer support. 

Tech skills are often transferable. Like, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.

⭐Highlight these on your resume and during interviews to show you're a well-rounded rockstar.

Exploring different roles isn't just about survival—it's a chance to discover new passions you never knew you had.

Ever secretly wanted to give design a shot? Or maybe dive into data analysis? 

Now's your chance! Who knows, you might stumble upon your dream gig.

Remember, life's an adventure; sometimes the detours lead to the best views. 

8. Stay active and resilient

Losing your job can mess up your daily routine, but creating a new one can provide a sense of structure and purpose. 

Set a regular wake-up time, allocate hours for job searching, skill-building, and relaxation. It keeps you organised and motivated.

Keep your communication lines open with friends, family, and fellow techies. Share your situation—you never know who might have a lead or know someone who does.

Job loss can be emotionally taxing. 

⭐Stay connected with friends and family, and don't hesitate to seek support from mental health professionals if needed. It's okay to ask for help!

And amidst all the hustle, don't forget to give yourself a breather. Take breaks to do things you enjoy—be it reading, gaming, cooking, or just chilling. 

A refreshed mind is a productive mind.

Remember, the tech industry is full of ups and downs; your resilience will see you through.

Being active helps because you're already ready when the opportunity shows up!

9. Seek a mentor for personalised guidance

Last but not the least. 

Having an expert in your field as a career mentor can:

• Save you
• Give you
• Let you connect with a
• Give you a

How cool is that?

Getting your dream job doesn’t have to be a lonely journey. 

Many talented mentors out there would gladly show you the ropes and give you important feedback.

You only need to reach out!

Want to know if career mentorship is for you? Read this.

Try a free 1:1 mentoring session with a professional mentor.

Final Thoughts

Remember, every setback is a setup for a grand comeback.

Reflect, adapt, and take charge of your future. 

With these 9 steps in your arsenal, you're not just recovering; you're rewriting the script of your career. 

Embrace the change, stay curious, and keep chasing those dreams. 

Your next big adventure awaits.

‍

Read more:

Overcoming Career Setbacks: 7 Tips to Bounce Back and Thrive

How to Be Consistent With Your Career Upskilling? 9 Tips