If you are a new grad trying to break into your first role, or someone who has lost their job because a company tried to have AI replace your work, it might feel particularly dire right now. You may be wondering if you need to make an entire career pivot, or if the degree you just got was worth the cost.

But my reality every year for that stretch was that I had to gear up for January. When the consultants started pouring in to talk about our India office, or when our company was sold to a new PE firm midyear, I knew all of these changes would come home to roost in January. What made sense for that company, though, might not hold for every company. Our fiscal year followed the standard calendar year, so clearing out costs before heading into a new year with new goals made sen

Going through a layoff in your 20s, 30s, or 40s is stressful, don’t get me wrong. You may have little savings in your 20s or be responsible for a whole family’s expenses in your 40s. But a new type of worry pops up when you get laid off in your 50s or 60s. Am I ever going to work again?

Getting laid off is hard enough. Getting laid off because someone in a different country, or a robot, took your job hits harder. It would be different if they didn't need the work at all, but apparently they do; they just don't value you enough to do it. Message received. That turmoil can cause you to reassess what you are even doing with your life now that your chosen career path could be at risk from outsourcing or automation.

Not to mention, I had worked my way up and spent the last 10 years learning the ins and outs of everything we did. I couldn't seriously be thinking of throwing all of that effort away to start somewhere new, could I? In the end, I did make the leap. And now, looking back, it was the best decision I have made for my career, as I went to a company with a positive growth outlook that is actually serious about investing in an employee's career growth.

Needless to say, all of us were thrown for a loop when the layoffs happened. That day, I did some research into the WARN Act and was just as confused. How was our company able to do a massive round of layoffs without triggering this rule?

In uncertain economic times, many people look at a closet full of luxury goods and feel a quiet sense of security. “If I get laid off, I can always sell my designer bags and watches,” is the story we are conditioned to believe, especially once luxury items get labeled “investment” pieces. It feels reasonable. Those pieces cost thousands of dollars, so surely they can be turned back into thousands of dollars when you need them.

Turns out I was right to think something was going on and if you are getting that feeling you are probably right too

Did you notice this guide says prepare, not what to do? That word choice is deliberate, and it is the whole point. When you still have a paycheck, you hold the one advantage nobody scrambling after a layoff has, which is time. You can study the market calmly, see where your skills actually fit, and close your gaps before you ever need to send a single application.