Unironically, three days after I posted this, I got laid off. Getting laid off sucks. There’s no sugarcoating it. Whether it’s the infamous "tech winter" or the constant ups and downs of the software engineering world, losing your job can feel like someone just pulled the rug out from under you. If you're going through it right now, I’ve been there too. Here’s what worked for me—and hopefully, some of it can help you as well.
1. Take a Break: It's Okay to Pause
When I got laid off, I didn’t jump into action right away. I gave myself permission to do nothing for a while. I took a week to let it all sink in. No rushing into the job market or endless LinkedIn scrolling. I knew I needed some time to process.
Why should you consider this? Being laid off is not just a financial hit; it’s an emotional one too. Let yourself grieve the loss. It’s totally fine to not have a plan for a little while. Use this break to recharge and think about what you really want to do next. For me, that pause was necessary to gain some perspective.
How to Maximize Your Break:
- Unplug: Avoid obsessing over job boards for a few days. Your mental health will thank you.
- Revisit your hobbies: Read that book, catch up on that Netflix series, or go hiking. Do something that brings you joy outside of work.
- Reflect: What did you enjoy in your previous job? What did you hate? This downtime is a chance to reassess.
2. Dive Into Something New: For Me, It Was Game Development
Once I’d had my break, I needed something to focus on, and I realized it was time to chase a long-time interest—game development. As a software engineer, I already had the skills to code, but game development was an entirely different beast. Still, the prospect of learning something new felt refreshing.
If you’re a techie like me, why not explore a passion project or new tech stack? Maybe you’ve been eyeing machine learning, blockchain, or even product management. Now is a great time to build something for yourself or start learning new skills.
Why Learning Something New Helps:
- It keeps you sharp: When you’re learning, you’re still growing professionally, even if you’re not working.
- You stay productive: Instead of fixating on the uncertainty, you’re pouring energy into something tangible.
- It’s fun: Let’s face it, working on a personal project feels more fulfilling than just sending out endless resumes.
3. Freelance to Pay the Bills and Fund the Dream
After I started learning game development, the next question was, "How do I pay the bills?" Going broke while working on my passion project was not part of the plan. So, I decided to start freelancing. With my background as a software engineer, there were tons of opportunities to pick up freelance gigs.
Freelancing allowed me to:
- Fund my game development journey: Those freelance checks became the lifeline that kept my passion project going.
- Pay the bills: Realistically, you still need to eat and pay rent. Freelancing gave me financial flexibility without having to commit to another full-time gig.
- Stay connected: Freelancing kept my foot in the door with the industry, which is crucial if I decide to reenter the workforce down the line.
Tips for Freelancing After Being Laid Off:
- Leverage your network: Reach out to previous employers, colleagues, or connections on LinkedIn for potential leads.
- Use freelancing platforms: Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, or Toptal can connect you with clients.
- Set boundaries: It’s easy to overwork yourself, especially when freelancing. Balance is key if you’re also working on a side project like I was.
4. Focus on Your Health: Mental and Physical
Job loss hits hard, and it can easily mess with your mental and physical health. That’s why I made it a point to prioritize self-care. Freelancing and game development took up most of my day, but I still made time for exercise, meditation, and the occasional long walk.
When you're laid off, it's crucial to keep your health in check. Stress can quickly escalate, and when your brain's fried, it’s harder to make clear decisions. So, I made self-care part of my daily routine, and it helped me keep things in perspective.
Quick Self-Care Tips:
- Exercise regularly: You don’t have to hit the gym, but even 30 minutes of walking or stretching can boost your mood.
- Try mindfulness or meditation: Apps like Calm or Headspace can help clear your mind.
- Connect with friends and family: Don’t isolate yourself. Even a quick chat can make a world of difference.
5. Rebuild Your Confidence: You’re More Than a Job Title
Getting laid off made me doubt myself for a bit. Was I good enough? Did I miss a red flag? Could I have done more? These thoughts are normal, but I had to remind myself that my worth wasn’t tied to a job title.
You’re not just a software engineer; you’re a person with skills, passions, and potential. It took me some time to rebuild that confidence, but working on projects like game development and freelancing helped remind me of what I’m capable of.
How to Regain Confidence:
- Celebrate small wins: Finished a course? Nailed a freelance project? Celebrate it.
- Talk to a mentor: If you’ve got a mentor or former boss you trust, talk things through with them. They can give you the perspective you might lack right now.
- Keep learning: The more you invest in yourself, the more confident you’ll feel about your future.
6. Plan for What’s Next (Without Stressing)
Finally, after you’ve had some time to process and regroup, it’s good to start thinking long-term. Maybe you want to go back to full-time work, or maybe freelancing and side projects are your new jam. Whatever it is, take it one step at a time.
For me, I’m balancing game development with freelancing for now. But I also keep an eye on job openings, just in case the right opportunity pops up. The key is not to rush the process. We’re all figuring it out as we go along, and that’s totally okay.
Building Your Next Steps:
- Revisit your goals: Do you want another corporate job, or would you rather continue freelancing? What about entrepreneurship?
- Start slow: Don’t overwhelm yourself by applying to 100 jobs in one week. Quality over quantity.
- Network: Even if you’re not ready for full-time work, stay active on LinkedIn, attend industry events, and keep up with your contacts.
Just saying, we could make this work. Let’s collaborate and fund my dream—one freelance gig at a time!
Okay, let’s get real for a second—if you want to help a laid-off software engineer (aka, me) fund their game development dreams, why not hire me as your freelancer? It’s a win-win! You get a dedicated, hardworking (and did I mention slightly desperate?) developer, and I get to continue working on my passion project without eating instant noodles every night.
Whether you need some front-end magic, a quick bug fixes, or help to build the next big thing, I’m your person! Plus, think of the cool story you’ll have: “I helped fund the next big indie game by hiring a laid-off dev!” How’s that for a LinkedIn humblebrag? Contact me at my email
Conclusion: It’s All Part of the Journey
Getting laid off isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the road. In fact, it can be a chance to explore new opportunities, whether it’s a new career path, freelancing, or that passion project you’ve always wanted to pursue. Take the time to breathe, reflect, and remember—you’re more than just your job.
Take it from me. I took a break, dove into game development, and started freelancing to fund my dream and pay the bills. And you can do it too, in your own way.
You’ve got this.
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