Human Resources Employee Relations

Lay-off and Recovery Information

  1. Express Your Thoughts and Emotions and – as much as possible: You will experience a range of emotions that may include anger, anxiety, guilt, and depression after losing your job;this is common. It will be important for you to acknowledge your emotions and to give yourself time to deal with your emotions. Consider the following recommendations:
  • Be honest with yourself. Acknowledging your emotions (i.e., anger, fear, sadness, depression,guilt, etc.) and thoughts (positive and negative) will be an important step in your job-loss and recovery process.
  • Acknowledge and express your feelings safely. Share your feelings with a close friend or family member. Let family members know that you have been laid off. Talk with them about your feelings, concerns, and next steps. Take time to journal or just write down your thoughts and feelings. Just let your thoughts and feelings flow.
  • Create opportunities to take care of yourself. Take time to do some of the things that you want to do. Spend time exercising. Read a good book. Take a class. Spend time with family and friends. Create activities and opportunities that honor your spiritual, physical, emotional, cognitive well-being.
  • Expect a positive change. Actively focus on staying motivated and positive. Acknowledge you have a range of skills and abilities that will benefit another organization or your own new business. Expect things will turn around for you and actively seek a positive life change.
  • Help is available if you need it. If you need assistance with dealing with your job-loss and emotions don’t hesitate to contact a counselor, therapist, or life coach.
  1. Check out resources that identify ways to manage stress. There are many self-help resources (online and hardcover) that talk about ways to manage stress and anxiety. If needed, make an appointment with a professional counselor or physician.
  1. Sign up for unemployment Benefits: Contact the Unemployment Security Department immediately to find out if you qualify for unemployment benefits. You can find local offices online at
  1. Learn aboutHealth care coverage: Learn how to continue your PEBB benefits after a layoff at

The document Continuing Benefits After Layoff or Separation From State Service will provide you with some general information and requirements to help you manage your benefits. Consult with your Human Resources Office regarding your job status at (206) 546-5880 or for benefits at (206) 546-4510.

  1. Review Your Personal Budget: Take a good look at your bills and resources and develop a financial plan. If needed contact your creditors and request to set up payment arrangements. You may also consider contacting a professional financial planner or consumer credit counselor.
  1. Access re-employment Services. Get assistance from your local WorkSource, College/University Career Center or online resources. WorkSource sites often provide free services including access to computers, job listings, workshops, labor market information, opportunities to network with on-site employers and partner programs offering counseling assistance in re-employment. You can find WorkSource online at
  1. Develop a re-employment Plan. Take time to think about your strengths, abilities, and next steps. Talk with family and friends. Use the WorkSource services online at Attend career workshops and schedule an appointment with a career counselor.
  1. Look for Networking Opportunities. Networking provides you with an opportunity to meet other professionals and to let them know about your interests. It also helps you get connected and build new relationships. You may also want to find online networking opportunities.
  1. Review the Shoreline Community College Human Resources website. The SCC Human Resources website located on the Intranet at

provides a range of layoff and resource information. You can also contact the Human Resources Office with questions related to being laid off at (206) 546-5880.

The Washington State Department of Personnel provides Employee Layoff Information and Resources at They also provide layoff presentations for employees who have been laid off (or think they might be). Check the schedule for dates and times.

  1. Take it one day at a time. Really that’s all you or anyone else has. Make the best of your day. If it doesn’t turn out exactly the way you want it, learn from it, and give it another try.

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