The layoff checklist: the first 72 hours.

You will not think clearly today. That's normal. Follow the list. Skip nothing. Come back to feelings later.

Hour 0–4 · Slow down before you sign

• Do not sign the separation agreement in the room. Almost every jurisdiction gives you days (often 21+) to review.
• Ask, in writing: last day of employment, last day of health coverage, severance amount and payout schedule, PTO payout, equity vesting cutoff.
• Screenshot or forward to a personal email: your offer letter, latest payslip, benefits summary, and the separation letter.

Hour 4–24 · Money floor

• Calculate real runway: liquid savings ÷ monthly essentials. Use the number, not the fear.
• Cancel one recurring expense today. Small; symbolic; instantly true.
• File for unemployment the same day you're eligible. Backdating is often not allowed.
• Decide COBRA vs. marketplace before day 60. The default (COBRA silence) is usually the expensive option.

Day 2–3 · Two conversations most people skip

• One trusted peer, not five. One person who's seen you work and will make one intro this week.
• An employment lawyer, if severance is more than 1 month. A 30-minute call often finds 10–30% more.

What not to do this week

Don't post publicly yet. Don't take the first offer that shows up. Don't accept "we can't negotiate severance" — you often can. Don't rewrite your identity in a weekend.

General educational information — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional for your situation.