Education
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Should I do if I Am Laid off?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

If you are laid off, you have a number of options, depending on the precise circumstances of your separation with your former employer. In some cases, you may be entitled to severance pay, unemployment, and other benefits which will help you while you look for another position. In other instances, you have no benefits or legal protections, and you will probably need to start checking the job market right away. In either case, you can help yourself out by planning ahead; try to set aside some money in savings every month so that you will have a safety cushion if you suddenly become unemployed.

It is important to distinguish between being laid off, being fired, and quitting. If you are laid off, your employer lets you go, often with others, because the employer no longer needs your services or can no longer afford to pay you. In this instance, you are usually entitled to preferential hiring, meaning that if your position opens up later, you can have it back. Your company may also be required to keep you on the benefits roll for a set period of time, and you may be offered severance pay for a few weeks or months, depending on your position. Most importantly, if you are laid off, you can file a claim for unemployment compensation with the government to get financial assistance.

A good resume should be dynamic and engaging.
A good resume should be dynamic and engaging.

If you are fired, your employer lets you go because you are not suitable for a position or because you have committed a gross act of negligence. In this case, you cannot collect unemployment from the government, and your company is not required to offer severance pay. However, if you are unlawfully fired and you can prove it, you may be able to regain your position or sue your employer for damages. When you choose to quit, you have no safety net at all, as a voluntary loss of a job is not grounds for compensation.

People should start searching for a new job shortly after being laid off from their previous position.
People should start searching for a new job shortly after being laid off from their previous position.

You should know your rights in terms of benefits and severance pay. Research your local laws and read your employee manual carefully so that you understand which benefits, if any, will be offered in the event that you are laid off. These benefits may also vary depending on what rank you have with the company; an executive, for example, usually receives more benefits than a janitor. Check with your union as well, if you are in a unionized workplace, as the union representative can inform you about your rights.

People who are laid off should avoid becoming lazy and unproductive after being laid off from a job is not.
People who are laid off should avoid becoming lazy and unproductive after being laid off from a job is not.

In any event, when you lose your job, you generally need another one. If you are fortunate enough to be able to collect compensation because you were laid off, don't be lazy; start looking for new jobs right away so that you have more flexibility and choice. Check job listings, especially for the industry you work in, and consider applying directly to companies you like. Make sure to set up a strong resume so that you will make an appealing candidate, and be clear with yourself about what you need from a your new job. Don't take a position that isn't ideal, as you will only find yourself looking for work again in a few months.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon276337

I am still in talks with my employer, even though they have terminated my position. I will not go away quietly. Three weeks after I filed an internal complaint, my position and another employee got the boot. My employer says I am eligible for a transfer (to another department). Even though I am applying. I keep getting the runaround. Help. Sounds like they are waiting until the final day on their payroll.

anon34722

I worked for myself as an internist. However, the size of my practice depended on giving good service and having good rapport with my patients. When I first entered practice, joining a very busy and popular internist, I was busy from day one and soon established my own reputation. I never knew any better than to do the very best that I could no matter whether it was city school, college, medical school, internship, Army medical officer, resident or practitioner. Or for that matter high school athlete or swimming competitively in the senior games.

I can only imagine how hard it would be to be laid off. My sympathy goes out to those who lose their jobs.

I never had more than two employees and was fortunate that all were good and loyal except for one. She coaxed me to fire her, but I told her I wanted to help her straighten out, but she quit.

A test suggested that my management style was that of a coach.

Donald W. Bales, M.D. retired (at age 75 in 1997)

MizLil

I was laid off from my job as an ad writer last July from the local daily newspaper due to economic decisions. A corporation owns most of the local area newspapers. A part-time job position opened up at one of the weeklies, a position I'm qualified for and that I actually held for two months before going over to the daily. Do I have a preferential rehiring status? I have resubmitted my resume for that position. Also, I have a very good letter of reference from my former employer who states that I'm eligible for rehire. If I don't get hired for the position, do I have any legal recourse?

daveotoole

can an employer lay you off with no pay?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A good resume should be dynamic and engaging.
      By: NAN
      A good resume should be dynamic and engaging.
    • People should start searching for a new job shortly after being laid off from their previous position.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      People should start searching for a new job shortly after being laid off from their previous position.
    • People who are laid off should avoid becoming lazy and unproductive after being laid off from a job is not.
      By: imageegami
      People who are laid off should avoid becoming lazy and unproductive after being laid off from a job is not.
    • Someone who is laid off should focus on finding a new job as quickly as possible.
      By: BlueSkyImages
      Someone who is laid off should focus on finding a new job as quickly as possible.
    • Severance pay can help a recently laid-off employee cover living expenses while she or he seeks a new job.
      By: Brad Wynnyk
      Severance pay can help a recently laid-off employee cover living expenses while she or he seeks a new job.
    • The type of benefits that a laid-off employee receives generally depends on her or his rank in the company.
      By: Fotolia RAW
      The type of benefits that a laid-off employee receives generally depends on her or his rank in the company.
    • Layoffs may occur when a company is forced to reduce the number of employees on its payroll.
      By: Marzky Ragsac Jr.
      Layoffs may occur when a company is forced to reduce the number of employees on its payroll.