{"id":6004,"date":"2025-11-18T15:52:33","date_gmt":"2025-11-18T21:52:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/?p=6004"},"modified":"2026-01-12T17:43:53","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T23:43:53","slug":"what-to-do-in-the-first-30-days-after-a-layoff","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/what-to-do-in-the-first-30-days-after-a-layoff\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do in the First 30 Days After a Layoff"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Getting laid off can be hugely demotivating<\/a>. When you lose your job, you\u2019re forced into re-writing your plans for the near future, tightening your spending and jumping back into the dreaded job search. But the first 30 days after a layoff are the best time to focus on a reset after the shock. Here\u2019s how to take care of yourself \u2014 and your finances \u2014 after a sudden loss in income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 0 to 2: Ground Yourself<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s common to feel competing emotions after getting laid off. Fear, anxiety, anger and sadness are all made the more acute when you\u2019re let go unexpectedly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most important thing you can do now is reinforce the good in your life<\/a>: Spend time with loved ones, get out into nature or indulge in a hobby. The point is to redirect your energy into things that make you feel engaged and alive \u2014 not dejected and upset. Focusing on the stuff that gives you life can help you heal from the rejection more quickly by putting your job loss into perspective and reaffirming your inherent value as a human being, not an employee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As much as you can, avoid disassociating in front of a screen or stewing with other laid-off coworkers \u2014 leaning into turning your brain off or focusing on negativity can feel like a safe place to land, but it might end up keeping you frustrated longer than is beneficial for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Week 1: A Little Legwork Now Goes a Long Way<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Notice how finances aren\u2019t a part of the discussion for the first few days, post-layoff. That\u2019s because it\u2019s healthy to have a little time away from life\u2019s logistics, especially after a major change happens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But once the shock subsides, it\u2019s a good idea to make a quick money gameplan for the near future. Here\u2019s how to get your bearings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Apply for unemployment:<\/strong> Usually, laid off workers are eligible for unemployment benefits<\/a>. You should strongly consider using these benefits \u2014 after all, these are the situations they were made for. The additional plus to applying for unemployment is that you\u2019ll extend the life of your emergency fund and prevent any costly withdrawals from retirement accounts.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Calculate your bottom line:<\/strong> Collect all the non-negotiable bills in your life, then add them up. The total to cover your housing, groceries, debt payments, utilities and other must-pay bills is the number to keep in mind as you work on finding employment. If your unemployment benefits can\u2019t cover everything, calculate the difference and keep that in mind, too.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Cancel unnecessary services:<\/strong> Tightening your belt is worth the trouble and sacrifice, so make the easy choice and cancel subscription services. You\u2019ll be surprised how much money you\u2019ll save each month, and that cushion will be a big help going forward.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Check your health coverage<\/strong>: COBRA <\/a>allows you to stay on your employer-provided health insurance for limited periods of time. But sometimes, that cost is too great to bear alone \u2014 if that\u2019s your case, take a look at your state-provided Medicaid<\/a> benefits. Your change in income may make you eligible<\/a> for low-or-no cost health insurance. Do this early \u2014 processing times may vary, and you want to make sure you\u2019re covered throughout your period of unemployment.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    If you\u2019re in the right place mentally, call your utilities providers and see if they are offering any special promotions, discounts or payment plans. You could reduce the amount you pay, and pocket the difference \u2014 right now, making your financial life as stable as possible is worth the extra effort. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Weeks 2 \u2013 3: Start the Hunt<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Now that you have a good sense of your financial standing, ease into job searching<\/a>. It might be tempting to try and make job hunting your full-time gig, but resist the temptation. It\u2019s an emotionally trying process, and giving yourself plenty of breaks will actually make you more productive and responsive, not less. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Some achievable goals you can set this week:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n