Laid off? Let’s make a plan for the next 30 days
It’s a shock, and it isn’t a verdict on you. I help you check the exit terms, sort the money, tell the story and get the search moving.
What usually gets in the way
“It came out of nowhere”
One call and your access is gone. You have a settlement to read and no idea what’s normal.
“How long can I last?”
EMIs, rent and family costs don’t pause. You need to know your runway before you can think clearly.
“How do I explain this?”
You dread the question in every interview and on every call with a recruiter.
How we work through it together
- 01
Check what you’re owed
Share the exit letter. I list what it covers, such as notice pay, severance, leave encashment and ESOPs, and the questions to ask HR before you sign.
- 02
Work out your runway
We add up the settlement and savings against monthly costs, so you know how many months you have and when to widen the search.
- 03
Start the search with a story
We write a short, honest answer about the layoff, update your resume and line up roles, including matches from EmployLabs.
What you leave with
Something steady to hold on to in the first week.
- A checklist of exit terms to confirm with HR before you sign
- A runway estimate from your settlement, savings and costs
- A two-line answer to “why did you leave?”
- A 30-day plan: who to tell, what to apply for, what to practise
- Dates I remember so we can plan around them, like the settlement date and your ESOP exercise window
You: I was let go this morning. They want me to sign the settlement by Monday.
Zia: I’m sorry. Before Monday, let’s check what it covers. Can you send me the letter?
You: Sent. Two months’ pay as severance plus notice pay.
Zia: It doesn’t mention leave encashment or your vested ESOPs. I’d ask HR about both in writing before you sign. Want me to draft that email?
You: Please. Then I need to figure out how long the money lasts.
What to do after a layoff
A few things that matter most in the first days.
Don’t sign in a hurry
Ask for the settlement in writing and take the time you’re allowed to read it. Check notice pay or pay in lieu of notice, severance, leave encashment, any pending bonus, gratuity eligibility, insurance continuation and what happens to vested and unvested ESOPs. Check your contract and local law on what you’re entitled to.
Collect your documents
Ask for your relieving and experience letters, final payslips, the full and final settlement statement and your Form 16. Save copies of your appraisals and any praise you have, while you still can.
Know your runway
Add up the settlement and savings, list monthly fixed costs and divide. That number tells you how wide to search and when to consider contract or interim work.
Tell the story once, plainly
Layoffs are common and most interviewers know it. A short, factual answer works: the company cut roles, here’s what you delivered, here’s what you want next. Then move on.
Keep a rhythm
Set a weekly plan: a few strong applications, a few conversations with people in your network, and practice for interviews. A routine helps on the weeks when replies are slow.
What people ask
What should I check before signing a layoff settlement?
Notice pay or pay in lieu of notice, severance, leave encashment, pending bonuses, gratuity, insurance continuation, ESOPs, and any clauses you are asked to agree to, such as confidentiality or a waiver of claims. Ask for anything unclear in writing.
What happens to my ESOPs if I’m laid off?
It depends on your ESOP plan. Unvested options usually lapse, and vested options often have a limited window to exercise after you leave. Ask HR for the exact window and the cost of exercising.
How do I explain a layoff in an interview?
Keep it short and factual: the company reduced roles, your team was affected, here is what you achieved and what you are looking for now. You don’t need to apologise for it.
Should I take the first offer after a layoff?
Not automatically. Know your runway first. If it’s short, a good-enough role can be the right move; if you have time, you can be more selective. I can help you weigh it.
Am I entitled to gratuity after a layoff?
In India gratuity typically applies after five years of continuous service, with some exceptions. Check your contract and local law, and ask HR to show it in your full and final settlement.
You don’t have to work this out alone.
Tell me what happened. We’ll check the terms, sort the money and plan the next 30 days.