The LinkedIn Layoff Playbook (from Someone Who’s Read 1,000 Posts)
Let’s be honest: if you’re on LinkedIn right now, you’re probably wading through a sea of “I’m thrilled to share…” posts. Except now, the vibe has shifted. Suddenly, it’s less “promotion” and more “plot twist.” Your feed looks like a mix of job updates, group therapy, and occasional memes trying to mask collective panic.
So after reading what feels like 1,000 posts (because it was), here’s what we’ve actually learned about layoffs, LinkedIn, and how to bounce back when work pulls the rug—and maybe your office chair—out from under you.
The Numbers: You're in Crowded Company
Let’s put things in perspective:
- 22,000+ tech workers have lost jobs in 2025 so far.
- In February alone, 16,000 were cut. That’s not a hiring freeze—that’s a hiring deep freeze.
- Even LinkedIn, ironically, laid off over 1,000 employees. Yes, the job site needs a job site.
Oh, and if you’re still employed but feel like you’ve been hit by emotional shrapnel? You’re not imagining it. About 74% of “layoff survivors” report lower productivity, and 77% say their mental health took a hit. Welcome to shared burnout.
Let’s Talk Feelings (Just Briefly, I Promise)
Layoffs suck. Period.
There’s the shock, the stress, and the fun internal monologue of “So… do I put ‘Looking for new opportunities’ or just throw a sad emoji on my profile?”
All of it is normal. You’re not broken, lazy, or behind. You’re just human—and humans don’t usually do their best thinking when blindsided. So give yourself five minutes to panic, then let’s move.
Okay, What Now?
Here’s the checklist that’s actually useful:
- Get your paperwork in order: Severance, COBRA, unemployment… yes, it’s boring. Do it anyway.
- File for unemployment: It’s not shameful. It’s smart. You paid into it—now it pays you back.
- Fix your resume + LinkedIn: Yes, it’s awkward. No, you don’t need to act like you’re “grateful for the time to reflect.”
- Tell your network: A short, honest post > silence. That person you talked to at a 2018 happy hour might just refer you.
- Take care of yourself: Move your body. Eat real food. Watch trash TV. Whatever works.
Keep learning: Doesn’t have to be deep—just stay sharp. It also gives you something to talk about in interviews besides your Wordle streak.
Some Advice You Didn’t Ask For (But Might Actually Help)
- Don’t panic – apply: Quality > quantity. Spray-and-pray rarely works.
- Work on your “layoff story”: You’ll be asked. Keep it simple, skip the drama, and focus on what’s next.
- Track small wins: One follow-up call? One helpful DM? It counts.
Reconnect: Colleagues, ex-bosses, that one person who still sends holiday cards—reach out. People want to help, they just don’t know you need it unless you say something.
Wrapping This Up (Before You Log Off to Stare at Job Boards Again)
Layoffs are awful. They’re also weirdly common right now. You are not the only person refreshing their inbox like it’s a slot machine.
LinkedIn might look like a highlight reel, but behind every “grateful to announce” post is someone who went through the same mess you’re in now.
So update your profile, hit send on that message, and keep going.
You’re not behind—you’re just between gigs.
And hey, this might just be the plot twist that leads to something better—every great comeback starts somewhere.
