Losing a job is one of those moments that feels like the ground gets pulled out from under you. No matter how much you think you’re prepared, there are lessons you only learn when you’re in the thick of it. Looking back, there are five big things I wish I had known — and if you're reading this, maybe they'll help you be better prepared for whatever comes your way.
1. Your Network is Your Lifeline — Start Building It Now
When you’re busy working, it’s easy to put networking on the back burner. I did. I thought being great at my job was enough. It wasn’t. When the layoff notice came, I realized too late that relationships, not résumés, often open doors. If I had consistently stayed connected — grabbing coffee, checking in with old colleagues, joining professional groups — my job search would have been less overwhelming and a lot shorter.
2. Your Job Title is Not Your Identity
It’s natural to tie your self-worth to your career. I was proud of my title and my accomplishments — until they were gone. It was a painful but powerful realization: a job is what you do, not who you are. You are still valuable without that title on your LinkedIn profile. I wish I had started building a stronger sense of self outside of work before I needed it most.
3. Save More Than You Think You Need
We always hear about having an emergency fund, but I underestimated just how long a job search could take, especially at senior levels. Six months of savings might sound like a lot — until you hit month seven. If I could go back, I would have prioritized a bigger financial cushion. Peace of mind is worth every penny saved.
4. Layoffs Are Business Decisions, Not Personal Failures
In the beginning, I felt embarrassed, even ashamed. I replayed every decision, wondering if I could have done something differently. The truth? Companies lay people off for all kinds of reasons: restructuring, market downturns, mergers. It’s not always a reflection of your performance. Accepting that faster would have helped me move forward with more confidence.
5. Career Reinvention is Possible — and Sometimes Necessary
At first, I scrambled to find “the same job” at “the same level” in “the same industry.” It was limiting. Eventually, I realized losing my job could be a turning point, not just a setback. Whether it’s pivoting to a new role, industry, or even starting something of your own, career reinvention isn’t just possible — it can be energizing.
No one expects to lose their job, but being mentally, financially, and emotionally prepared makes a huge difference. If you’re in a good place now, take some time to invest in your future self. And if you’re going through a tough transition? Know that it’s survivable — and even a doorway to something better than you imagined.
Curt Skene
FOUNDER
The CNC Community
