First 24 Hours After Layoff: Your Complete Checklist

You just got laid off. Your head is spinning, you're not sure what to do first, and everything feels urgent.

Take a breath. This checklist will walk you through exactly what to do in the first 24 hours. Print it out, bookmark it, whatever works for you.

The good news? You don't have to figure everything out today. This guide will help you focus on what truly matters right now and what can wait.

Before You Leave (If You Haven't Already)

If you're still at work or on the call where you were told, here's what to do:

✅ Stay Calm and Professional

This might be the hardest thing you'll do today, but it's crucial:

• Take several deep breaths before responding to anything
• Don't say anything you'll regret — your words in this moment can affect references, severance, and future opportunities
• This isn't the time to argue or vent — save that for trusted friends and family later
• Remember: How you handle this meeting doesn't define you, but it can impact your next steps

Your immediate reaction is understandable, but companies often make notes about how terminations went. A professional exit protects your interests.

✅ Ask Key Questions

Get answers to these before you leave or hang up. Write them down if possible:

1. "What is my official last day of employment?" — This affects unemployment benefits and health insurance timing
2. "When will I receive my final paycheck?" — Know if it's immediate, next pay period, or another timeline
3. "When does my health insurance coverage end?" — Usually the end of the month, but confirm
4. "Will I receive a severance package? When will I receive the details?" — Not everyone gets one, but you should know
5. "What happens to my 401(k) and other benefits?" — Ask about vesting schedules and rollover timelines
6. "Am I eligible for unused vacation/PTO payout?" — Some states require this, others don't
7. "Who should I contact if I have questions?" — Get a name and email for your HR contact
8. "What's the process for returning company equipment?" — Do they ship a box? Come pick it up? Drop it off?
9. "Can I get a reference from my manager?" — Ask now while the conversation is happening
10. "Will you provide a letter confirming employment dates?" — Helpful for background checks

If you're too shocked to remember these questions, that's okay. You can email HR later. But if you can ask now, you'll save yourself follow-up calls.

✅ Don't Sign Anything Yet

If they hand you a severance agreement or any other documents to sign:

• Accept the paperwork graciously
• Say: "Thank you, I'll review this carefully and get back to you"
• Ask: "What's the deadline for returning this?"
• Ask: "Am I allowed to have an attorney review this?"

You typically have 21+ days to review severance agreements (45 days if you're over 40 in a group layoff). There's absolutely no reason to sign on the spot, no matter what anyone implies.

Severance agreements often include:

• Non-compete clauses
• Non-disclosure agreements
• Waiver of your right to sue
• Confidentiality requirements

You need time to understand what you're signing and whether the severance amount is fair for what you're giving up.

✅ Gather Personal Items

Physical items:

• Personal belongings from your desk, locker, or workspace
• Any personal snacks, photos, plants, decorations
• Your own chargers, headphones, books, supplies
• Medications or personal care items
• Workout clothes or gear
• Anything with sentimental value

Digital items (check what's permitted first):

• Forward personal emails to your personal account (only truly personal emails)
• Save contact info for colleagues you want to stay in touch with
• Download performance reviews if accessible and allowed
• Save work samples you're entitled to keep (nothing confidential or proprietary)
• Export calendar events for reference (dates of projects, achievements)
• Download any personal files you may have saved on company systems

Important: Many companies will cut your access immediately or within hours. If you have remote access right now, prioritize getting your personal information secured. But never take confidential company information — that's not personal and could create legal problems.

✅ Return Company Property

Make a detailed list of what you need to return:

• Laptop and chargers
• Phone (if company-issued) and accessories
• Tablet or iPad
• Monitor, keyboard, mouse (if company-provided)
• ID badge/access cards
• Office keys or key fobs
• Parking pass
• Company credit cards
• Any other company equipment, books, or materials

Critical: Ask for a receipt or email confirmation documenting exactly what you returned and when. This protects you if there's any dispute later about missing equipment.

Take photos of the equipment before you pack it up, showing its condition. If you're shipping it, get tracking numbers and delivery confirmation.

✅ Document Everything

Before your access is cut off:

• Take screenshots of your last pay stub (for unemployment filing)
• Save your employee handbook if accessible
• Note your supervisor's and HR's contact information
• Write down the exact date and time you were notified
• Make notes about what was said in the termination meeting
• Keep copies of all paperwork you're given

This documentation can be crucial for unemployment claims, severance negotiations, or if any disputes arise.

Within the First Few Hours

✅ File for Unemployment

Do this TODAY if at all possible. Most states have a waiting period before benefits begin — the sooner you file, the sooner you'll get paid. Don't let pride or assumptions stop you; you paid into this system.

What you'll need:

• Social Security number
• Driver's license or state ID
• Your most recent employer's name and complete address
• Your supervisor's name
• Dates of employment (start and end)
• Reason for separation (use "layoff" or "reduction in force," not "fired")
• Your last gross wages and pay period
• Bank account information for direct deposit

Filing tips:

• Most states let you file online — it usually takes 15-30 minutes
• File even if you received severance; timing may vary but you want to be in the system
• Be honest and accurate; false information can disqualify you
• Save your confirmation number
• Set up your account login and keep the credentials safe
• Check the requirements for your state's job search requirements

Don't wait because:

• The application can take time to process (often 2-3 weeks)
• Benefits typically don't start immediately
• Some states have waiting weeks before you receive payment
• You may have questions that take time to resolve

State-by-State Unemployment Guide →

✅ Secure Your Personal Accounts

If you used your work email for any personal accounts, you need to update them:

• Banking and financial accounts — change email to personal
• Social media accounts — especially LinkedIn
• Online shopping accounts — Amazon, etc.
• Subscription services — streaming, software, news
• Professional memberships — update contact info
• Healthcare portals — ensure you can access medical records

Do this today while you still have access to your work email to receive confirmation codes.

✅ Notify Your Essential Contact People

If someone needs to know right away:

• Your spouse or partner
• Anyone who depends on your income
• Anyone who might need to adjust immediate plans

You don't need to tell everyone today. In fact, it's better to wait until you've processed the news before telling:

• Extended family
• Friends
• Professional contacts
• Social media networks

Give yourself time to control the narrative and decide how you want to share the news.

✅ Don't Post on Social Media Yet

Resist the urge to immediately post about your layoff, no matter how angry, hurt, or justified you feel. Here's why:

• You might sign a severance agreement with confidentiality clauses
• Future employers will see your posts
• Venting publicly can feel good now but hurt you later
• You may regret what you say when emotions are high
• Professional contacts will judge how you handle adversity

When you're ready (in a few days or weeks), you can craft a thoughtful announcement that:

• Positions you as professional and forward-looking
• Focuses on what you're excited about next
• Thanks colleagues without badmouthing the company
• Opens doors instead of closing them

✅ Backup Your Professional Contacts

If you haven't already:

• Export your LinkedIn connections — do this now before you forget
• Save email addresses of colleagues you want to maintain relationships with
• Take note of who you'd like to ask for references
• Document any mentors or professional contacts from your time there

These relationships are valuable assets in your job search. Don't lose them because you lost access to company systems.

Later Today or This Evening

✅ Review What You Were Given

Once you're home and can think clearly, look through any paperwork you received:

Severance agreement (don't sign yet):

• What's the total amount?
• How will it be paid (lump sum or installments)?
• What are you giving up (right to sue, ability to work for competitors)?
• Are there confidentiality or non-disparagement clauses?
• Is the amount negotiable?

COBRA information:

• How much will continuing your health insurance cost?
• What's the deadline to enroll?
• When does your current coverage end?

401(k) information:

• Are you fully vested?
• What are your options (leave it, roll it over, cash out)?
• What are the tax implications?

Final paycheck details:

• Does it include unused PTO?
• Are there any deductions?
• When will you receive it?

Company policies:

• What do they say about references?
• Are there any post-employment restrictions?
• What's the appeals or reconsideration process, if any?

Make a folder (physical or digital) for all layoff-related documents. You'll reference these repeatedly in coming weeks.

✅ Check Your Financial Situation

You don't need to make any decisions today, but do get a clear picture:

Immediate:

• How much cash do you have available?
• When is your next rent/mortgage payment due?
• What bills are due in the next two weeks?

Short-term:

• Review your bank account and credit card balances
• Check your emergency fund (if you have one)
• Note any automatic payments that might need adjustment

Don't panic if the numbers are scary. Tomorrow you can start making a plan. Today you're just gathering information.

✅ Update Your Personal Records

While the information is fresh, document your accomplishments:

• Write down your exact job title and dates of employment
• List your key accomplishments — major projects, wins, contributions
• Note specific metrics — revenue generated, costs saved, efficiency improved
• Record awards or recognition you received
• Document skills you developed or strengthened
• Save names and contact info for potential references
• Write down your manager's full name and title

This information will be invaluable when updating your resume and preparing for interviews. It's much harder to remember these details weeks from now.

✅ Understand Your Health Insurance Timeline

Healthcare is often the most pressing concern after a layoff:

Find out:

• Your exact coverage end date (usually end of the month)
• The deadline to elect COBRA (typically 60 days)
• How much COBRA will cost monthly
• If you're eligible for a Special Enrollment Period for ACA marketplace
• If your spouse's insurance offers coverage

Important: Don't let your coverage lapse. Even a gap of a few days can be problematic if you need care or have pre-existing conditions.

You don't have to solve this today, but knowing your timeline prevents rushed decisions later.

✅ Take Care of Yourself

This isn't soft advice — this is essential:

Physical:

• Eat something, even if you're not hungry — your body needs fuel
• Drink water — stress dehydrates you
• Avoid alcohol — it won't help and will make you feel worse tomorrow
• Try to sleep tonight — even if you need to take a walk first

Emotional:

• Call someone you trust and tell them what happened
• Cry if you need to
• Go for a walk or do light exercise
• Do something that usually comforts you
• Remember this is a setback, not a reflection of your worth

Mental:

• Don't make any major decisions today
• Don't catastrophize — your brain is in crisis mode
• Give yourself permission to feel whatever you're feeling
• Remember that layoffs are about business decisions, not your value as a person

If you have a therapist, consider scheduling an appointment for this week. If you don't, this might be a good time to find one.

What Can Wait Until Tomorrow

Not everything needs to happen today. These tasks are important but can wait:

Can wait 24-48 hours:

• Updating your resume
• Starting your job search
• Applying for positions
• Reaching out to your network about opportunities
• Making decisions about severance
• Telling extended family and friends
• Updating your LinkedIn status

Can wait a few days to a week:

• Deep cleaning your resume
• Writing cover letters
• Conducting company research
• Practicing interview questions
• Making major financial decisions
• Deciding whether to negotiate severance
• Planning a career pivot

Can wait even longer:

• Completely rebranding yourself
• Going back to school
• Starting a business
• Relocating to a new city
• Making major life changes

Give yourself time to process before making big decisions.

What NOT to Do

❌ Don't badmouth your employer

Not on social media, not to former colleagues still at the company, not in job interviews, not anywhere. Here's why:

• It won't change what happened
• It makes you look unprofessional
• It can hurt your job search
• It might violate severance agreements
• The industry is smaller than you think
• Future employers judge how you handle adversity

❌ Don't sign anything under pressure

Even if HR says "most people sign right away" or "this is a standard agreement":

• You have time — use it
• Severance is often negotiable
• You might miss concerning clauses
• An employment attorney can spot problems
• You have 21+ days for a reason

❌ Don't delete anything from company devices

This could be seen as:

• Destroying company property
• Covering up wrongdoing
• Violating your employment agreement

Return everything as-is. Let them wipe the devices.

❌ Don't take confidential information

Even if you think you need it for your job search:

• Don't take client lists
• Don't take proprietary code or documents
• Don't take confidential company data
• Don't take anything marked confidential

This could lead to lawsuits and destroy professional relationships. Your work samples should be generic examples or things you're explicitly allowed to keep.

❌ Don't isolate yourself

Reach out to at least one person today:

• A partner, spouse, or family member
• A close friend
• A former colleague who's been laid off
• A therapist or counselor

You don't have to go through this alone, and isolation makes everything harder.

❌ Don't make major financial decisions

Don't do these today:

• Sell investments or stocks
• Withdraw from your 401(k)
• Take out loans
• Make large purchases
• Cancel all subscriptions immediately
• Commit to major expenses

Give yourself a few days to think clearly before making money moves. Your panicked brain isn't the best financial advisor.

❌ Don't burn bridges

Even if you're furious:

• Don't send angry emails to your boss or colleagues
• Don't sabotage projects or work
• Don't steal or damage company property
• Don't try to poach clients immediately
• Don't violate non-compete agreements

The way you exit matters for references, severance, and your professional reputation.

Checklist Summary

Print this out or screenshot it:

Before leaving (or immediately after notification):

• [ ] Stay calm and professional
• [ ] Ask the 10 key questions
• [ ] Don't sign anything yet
• [ ] Gather personal items (physical and digital)
• [ ] Return company property and get receipt
• [ ] Document everything

Within a few hours:

• [ ] File for unemployment
• [ ] Secure personal accounts tied to work email
• [ ] Notify essential people only
• [ ] Don't post on social media
• [ ] Backup professional contacts

Later today:

• [ ] Review all paperwork carefully
• [ ] Check your financial situation
• [ ] Document your accomplishments
• [ ] Understand health insurance timeline
• [ ] Take care of yourself (eat, hydrate, rest)

Tomorrow and beyond:

• [ ] Start reviewing severance offer
• [ ] Research health insurance options
• [ ] Begin resume updates
• [ ] Reach out to trusted friends
• [ ] Rest and regroup

---

What's Next?

You survived Day 1. That's genuinely an accomplishment. Be proud of yourself for taking action instead of freezing.

Tomorrow, you'll start tackling the next steps:

• Your First Week Action Plan →
• How to Negotiate Severance →
• Understanding Severance Agreements →
• Understanding Your Health Insurance Options →

Remember: Millions of people have been where you are right now, and they came out the other side. Many found better opportunities, discovered new career paths, or realized they're more resilient than they knew.

This layoff is something that happened to you. It's not who you are.

You will get through this. One day, one task at a time.