“You may have been impacted. I understand that your ego... it’s not your identity. Your ego is bruised. My ego is bruised too. But it is okay. We’ve overcome much worse than this.” – Tamara Burks
The reality is clear: over 300,000 Black women have been displaced from the workforce in recent times. Behind each number is a story of experience, resilience, and reinvention. In a recent episode of “Beyond the Layoff: Black Women Rising,” a powerful conversation unfolded, spotlighting the emotional journey, practical steps, and community support necessary to rise above professional setbacks.
Here are several key insights that emerged, each offering valuable guidance for anyone navigating a career transition or supporting others through one:
1. Decades of Experience Don’t Shield Against Layoffs
The women most affected by recent layoffs are often seasoned professionals with years—sometimes decades—of dedicated service. This harsh reality underscores that tenure, relationships, and expertise don’t always guarantee security. Preparation is essential, both emotionally and logistically, for any shifts in the employment landscape.
2. The Emotional Toll is Real—And Valid
Losing a job is more than a financial loss. It’s the abrupt end of routines, workplace friendships, and a sense of community. Many describe the aftermath as a period of mourning, acknowledging the up-and-down waves of grief, anxiety, and sometimes panic. It’s important to allow space for these emotions, seek professional help if possible, and rely on a strong support network of friends and colleagues.
3. Self-Advocacy and Rapid Response are Crucial
Proactive steps matter. When warning signs emerge, gather your personal documents, preserve key work samples, and access any outstanding compensation or benefits. Lean into your professional network for information and support. Taking immediate action can provide a needed sense of agency during a time when so much feels out of your control.
4. Multiple Paths: Corporate, Entrepreneurship, and Everything In Between
Many Black women are leveraging their expertise in new ways, including entrepreneurship, consulting, and fractional work. For some, this means creating products—like educational children’s books or playbooks for neurodivergent professionals. For others, it’s about considering roles across industries, focusing on alignment with personal purpose and organizational mission. Health insurance and benefits remain top concerns, often weighing into these decisions as much as passion or profit.
“We need to have multiple streams of income… so that if you join us on this cruise ship of being laid off, it is not as hard of an impact on you financially or on your family situation.” – Tamara Burks
5. Community and Routine Foster Healing and Progress
Isolation can amplify feelings of loss. Maintaining a daily routine, upskilling, and nurturing real connections—whether through therapy, personal friendships, or professional communities—help maintain momentum. Honest reflection and openness to both rest and action allow for true healing and sustainable progress.
If you’re among the many affected by layoffs—or know someone who is—remember, you are not alone. Now is the time to mogulize1 your expertise, lean into your networks, and redefine what’s next on your terms. Organizations and individuals can take action by offering referrals, sharing opportunities, and making space for both the practical and emotional sides of career transition.
Whether you’re an employer, fellow professional, or someone ready to explore new entrepreneurial ventures, reach out, offer support, and celebrate the resilience and talent within our community.
If you are looking to connect with rising professionals or want to contribute resources or opportunities, reach out to the thriving network of Black women rising beyond the layoff—and be part of the movement shaping the future of work.
Ready for Your Next Move?
Looking for actionable strategies, support, and expert guidance? Join my upcoming virtual intensive Positioned for Profit focused on mindset, messaging, and money, designed especially for women in transition. Whether corporate, entrepreneurial, or both—your journey continues with intention.
Share this post, tag a friend, and join the conversation. Your next opportunity—and your community—are waiting.
About the Author:
Kelly Charles-Collins is Founder of Speaker Moguls and the creator of Speaking Industry Xpo a/k/a THE 6 and Positioned for Profit. She teaches speakers, trainers, coaches, and consultants to turn their expertise into an enterprise—without underpricing or undervaluing their work. Through strategic positioning and proven business frameworks, Kelly equips experts to amplify their visibility, package their brilliance, and build sustainable, revenue-generating brands with authority.
Mogulize your expertise - leverage your expertise to develop multiple ways to generate revenue.
