Resources for those Recently Fired
In recent years, being asked to leave your job has become more common than you’d expect. March 2025 was the highest month of layoffs in the US since the start of the pandemic (April & May 2020). 40% of Americans report having been fired from their job at least once in their careers, and according to one report, almost 28% of Americans have been laid off in the past 2 years.
While this is terrible, and a product of a bad system, it’s something we’re all learning to deal with as part of work. Here are some resources I’ve found helpful or others have shared with me to help if you find yourself without a job.
Never Search Alone - job seekers playbook with bonus networking circles
Employee-focused external HR & Employment Law Support: Caged Bird HR, WRK Receipts
Personally, the main things that kept me sane during job search periods were to box out time for searching & applying (only a few hours a day, otherwise it becomes all-consuming) and to not underestimate the power of loose connections.
I’m currently seeing a fairly heavy referral based hiring market, though it’s not from your closest colleagues or friends. It’s the coworker from 5 years ago that reaches out because they have an opening in your field; the postings that you only hear about in a networking or industry group; when you notice you worked with someone who can submit your application as a referral. I’ve found most folks are open to submit you for a role or get on the phone to catch up and see if they can help find leads or connect you with anyone. I know I am, and hope you will be, too!
