Your Exit Plan: Getting Ahead of Layoffs or Restructuring

Jul 30

Getting laid off can feel like it comes out of nowhere. But, most of the time, there are signs long before the official announcement. The problem? When you’re focused on your day-to-day work, it’s easy to miss them.

In this episode of The Glass Sessions podcast, we’re talking about how to spot the early signals that layoffs may be on the horizon - and, more importantly, what to do about it. From noticing changes in leadership behavior, to understanding how your company fits into its industry, to navigating the emotional side of an unexpected job loss, we break down what to look out for and how to prepare yourself both professionally and personally.

Whether you’ve been through a layoff before or you just want to feel more secure in your career, this episode will help you build resilience, strengthen your network, and take proactive steps that protect your future.

Actionable Tips and Takeaways

Know the signs that layoffs may be on the horizon.

It can often feel like a big surprise when you are unexpectedly laid off. While it can sometimes be hard to predict, look out for these signs that a layoff might be coming.

Build relationships with leaders at your company and notice changes in communication or day-to-day operations.

We recommend this for many reasons, but if you have a strong relationship with leaders at your company it will be easier to pick up that a change is on the horizon. For example, is your leadership team traveling together? Have they canceled a couple of all hands meetings in a row? Are they avoiding questions that relate to the future? These can all be signs that a big change is coming, and if you have a relationship with people on your leadership team, you will more easily notice these changes.

Understand where your company fits within the overall industry and keep up on industry shifts.

You don’t need to do extensive research or be a financial guru to gain a general understanding of how much money your industry brings in and the factors that may impact it. Does your organization provide an essential service? How much does the company’s revenue depend on people having disposable income? Are there other organizations that provide a similar product or service at a lower cost or with higher customer satisfaction? Doing a little research to understand how your company fits within the market they’re trying to serve will help you see when internal or external changes are likely to impact the overall health of the organization.

If departments are being shuffled under different leadership, understand what’s driving that decision.

This is commonly referred to as a “re-org” - when teams are restructured and managers take on new or different functional areas. This is sometimes done to better align teams to products, services or business priorities. However, it can sometimes be a sign that the company is positioning itself for an acquisition or to be attractive to a new investor. If one or two people were laid off as part of the re-org or if the company cites or signals efficiency gains as the reason for the re-org, this could be a signal that additional layoffs are coming.

If your company was acquired, layoffs are not guaranteed but they are likely. Here’s what to look out for:

Is it a merger or an acquisition? If the company is planning to keep all of their products and services and operate under the same brand, layoffs will likely be limited or even avoided altogether. However, if the acquiring
Positive communication doesn’t mean layoffs aren’t happening.
Understand why the company was acquired and which products or services are likely to be combined.

Don’t assume because you’re a high .performer you will not be impacted by layoff.

The company could decide that the product or service you focus on is no longer a priority or they are planning to close an office because it no longer serves a strategic purpose. While maintaining strong performance is a great way to lower the risk of being let go in a downsizing, it’s not a guarantee and you should have a plan regardless of how well your last performance review went!

If you notice a big change might be on the horizon, don’t panic or make others concerned.

If you start to pick up on signals or get insider information, don’t panic or stoke the rumor mill. Remember, you want to maintain as many strong relationships as you can regardless of what happens since this will help keep your professional network strong.

Take steps while you are employed to prepare for unemployment.

Get clear on what you want from your career. Recommend doing values work while still employed: Create career clarity: we have a worksheet for this. And then build momentum in the right direction.
Update your resume and LinkedIn every performance review cycle and keep a wins document,
Remember: you can ask for LinkedIn recommendations when you’re employed. Recommendations on LinkedIn are hugely underrated. Provide recs to colleagues you have good working relationships with, and ask them later on to do the same
Network like a pro. Consistently be in touch with your network: 70% of job openings are filled through relationships. It's worth the time to invest in your connections. Listen to our episode with Joe Gilgoff for tips on how to network authentically
Prioritize your financial health.

When you find yourself unexpectedly unemployed, don’t panic and follow these steps.

Don’t start looking for a job the next day.

Change your setting and take a low cost trip if you can.
If others were laid off at the same time, reach out and talk to them.
Do an audit of the relationships from your past company and reach out to people you want to keep in your network.
Look at your finances and make a plan. The Financial Feminist episodes like this one, this one and this one

Acknowledge and process the intense emotions that you’re feeling so that you can make the best decision for what to do next.

Lean on your support system.
It’s normal to feel shame but it’s important to remember your worth outside of your job.
You’re likely going to experience some grief.
Resist the temptation to focus on the negative aspects of your past job. It feels personal, but it’s probably not.

Start looking and land a job that you’re excited about.

Be strategic - don’t just apply to every job you see. Know why you would be a great fit and what you bring to the org / role
Apply on the company’s website, not through job boards.
Reach out to people in your network who work at the company you are applying to.
Listen to our “Tips to get hired” episode

In conclusion

Layoffs are never easy, but they don’t have to leave you blindsided. By paying attention to the signs, strengthening your relationships and network, and preparing your career materials before you need them, you’ll be in a far better position if change comes your way.

Remember: a layoff is not a reflection of your worth or your abilities. It’s often about business decisions outside of your control. What is within your control is how you respond- by taking care of yourself, leaning on your support system, and moving forward with clarity and confidence.

If you’re navigating uncertainty in your career right now, this episode of The Glass Sessions is here to remind you: you’re not alone, and you have the tools to come out stronger on the other side.