How do you manage the stress of looming layoffs? Last month, layoffs across the U.S. rose an astonishing 205% compared to March of last year, for a total of 275,240 job cuts.

Stats like these mean layoffs are top of mind for many people these days. You might be finding yourself in limbo right now, wondering if you’re next on the list to receive a pink slip. There’s no question that a concern like that is a major contributor to our overall stress and mental health. The psychological and emotional impact that comes with layoffs is huge, so today, I’m resharing a 2022 episode updated for 2025 with practical strategies for how to address the overall worry that your job is next on the chopping block.

Keep your head on straight in this endlessly swerving era with concrete action steps, including

• Why planning ahead beats burying your head in the sand;
• The vital importance of prioritizing your mental health;
• How phoning a friend will help keep your feet on the ground;
• What your past resilience can teach you about your situation right now.

Related Links:

• Episode 68, I Got Fired—Help! - https://www.bossedup.org/podcast/episode68
• Episode 402, How to Financially Prepare for Layoffs - https://www.bossedup.org/podcast/episode402
• Episode 457, How to Explain Your Layoff in a Job Interview - https://www.bossedup.org/podcast/episode457
• Episode 500, How to Stand Out in a Competitive Job Market - https://www.bossedup.org/podcast/episode500
• Working Identity: Unconventional Strategies for Reinventing Your Career by Herminia Ibarra - https://herminiaibarra.com/working-identity-book/
• Reuters, US announced job cuts surge in March on Doge hit, recruitment firm Challenger says - https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/us-announced-job-cuts-surge-march-doge-hit-recruitment-firm-challenger-says-2025-04-03/
• CNBC, U.S. payrolls rose by 228,000 in March, but unemployment rate increases to 4.2% - https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/04/jobs-report-march-2025-.html
• HIRED: our Job Search Accelerator - https://www.bossedup.org/gethired
• Bossed Up Courage Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/927776673968737/
• Bossed Up LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/7071888/