Tanya Vaughn-Patterson’s career took an unexpected turn one day, leaving her devastated and lost. During a fateful call, she found herself in tears, hurt by the sudden change and angry—at the organization, and at herself for not being prepared.
Tanya had poured her passion into her work, believing she was making a difference; updating her resume or crafting a plan B never seemed urgent.
But as reality set in, Tanya experienced a whirlwind of emotions: shock, anger, and fear for what lay ahead.
Her story becomes a testament to resilience and the importance of being prepared for life’s surprises, as she learned firsthand that even the most meaningful roles can change in an instant—and it’s crucial to have a plan for what comes next.
Whether you are facing a layoff, navigating a transition, or simply focused on future-proofing your career, here are essential takeaways with actionable strategies.
1. Feel the Feels—Then Move Forward
Layoff experiences trigger a spectrum of emotions, including shock, anger, fear, and shame. These are valid responses. The key is to honor those feelings, process them, and use that emotional energy to propel yourself forward. Emotional honesty becomes a bridge to growth and clarity in your next steps.
2. Network With Purpose
Networking is not just about collecting contacts. It’s about strategic connection towards a clear goal. Identify who you need in your corner and articulate your story authentically. Purposeful networking focused on specific outcomes will open doors and accelerate your comeback.
3. Reinvent, Repurpose, Rebuild
If a layoff has rendered your expertise less in demand or eliminated your role, view this as an opportunity to reimagine your career path. Assess the current market, repurpose skills, refresh your resume, and be open to stepping into roles that may not exactly match your previous title—but do provide stability and a springboard for future growth.
4. Embrace Every Step—Even the Lateral or Step Down
Accepting a new position below your former level can bring up feelings of vulnerability. Yet, every role serves a purpose—sometimes, that purpose is financial stability, sometimes it’s building new relationships, or refining new skills. Measure each opportunity against your vision, knowing this is a chapter, not your conclusion.
5. Prepare for What’s Next—Always
One core lesson: Always be prepared. Keep your resume updated, track your accomplishments, and build your visibility on professional platforms like LinkedIn. Preparation should include ongoing skill development, strategic relationship-building, and establishing a clear vision for your next move—whether as an employee, entrepreneur, or both.
If you’re a Black woman who’s been impacted by workforce displacement, or if you’re seeking to support others through transition, amplify these stories. Share this article with your network. Foster meaningful connections and conversations.
Consider subscribing to newsletters, joining communities, or investing in intensives designed to help you powerfully position yourself for your next chapter.
Remember: your expertise, your relationships, and your resilience are your greatest assets.
Ready to step into your next chapter? Claim your space, amplify your voice, and rise—beyond the layoff.
Grab your seat now for the Positioned For Profit Intensive: A 3-day virtual intensive for established professionals ready to position and package their expertise to command $25k-$100k contracts.
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.
