A storm of layoffs is upon us.
More than 1.1 million people were laid off in the US in 2025, and there were more job cuts in January 2026 than any January since 2009, according to reports. Business leaders are predicting that things will only get worse as AI disrupts the workforce.
When Amazon announced layoffs earlier this year, the tech career coach Kyle Elliott shared what he thinks employees should do immediately after being laid off to put them in the best position to find a new role.
He also shared three common mistakes to avoid after a layoff.
1. Posting a hit piece on LinkedIn
After the sting of a layoff, Elliott has seen workers turn to LinkedIn to share negative posts about their former employer.
“Sometimes people just really react from that emotion or wound, instead of waiting until it heals,” he said.
Such posts could be detrimental when applying for a new job, when recruiters and hiring managers check your LinkedIn profile.
“People want to work with other positive people, so if they see that you’re venting, they may worry, ‘if we have to conduct layoffs in the future, are you going to then put a hit piece out on us as soon as you get laid off?” Elliott said.
Instead, consider waiting until you are more able to position the event differently in your post, which could be a month or two after, Elliot said. In the post, share lessons you learned and the amazing work you did at your previous company, he added.
2. Venting to former colleagues
Former colleagues can be a good resource when you’re looking for jobs in the future. In your last conversation with your former colleagues before leaving the company, reiterate the work you’re proud of and share what kind of opportunity you’re looking for next, Elliott said.
With this in mind, it may be better to vent about your layoff experience to a trusted confidant like a spouse, best friend, or therapist rather than a former colleague, he added.
Venting to a colleague could damage their perception of you and jeopardize the connection.
“A lot of people will remember that last piece, and you don’t want them to be like, ‘oh, they’re bitter.'” he said.
3. Being afraid to network
Elliott has noticed that clients are sometimes afraid to network because of the stigma associated with layoffs, and their fear that they can’t add value to conversations while unemployed.
“Layoffs are normal now,” Elliott said, so there’s no need to avoid reaching out to people out of fear.
He recommended starting small. For example, meet a former colleague whom you were close to.
In your first conversation, focus on putting yourself out there and taking small steps toward your next role, and don’t expect to be offered a job, he said.
“If you were fired and you’re calling it a layoff, it’s a little different. But if you were truly just laid off as part of a reorganization or cost-cutting measures, people understand that, and there shouldn’t be shame in that,” he said.
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