You’ve spent years at the same company—maybe even over a decade—which is pretty rare these days. After all that time, you probably thought you’d retire there. That is, until HR calls you into a meeting and drops the news: Your role is being cut, and you’re laid off.
Mass layoffs have become the norm across most industries, even in big tech. Now, even federal workers aren’t safe. While sticking with one company for years doesn’t guarantee job security, long-term employees often expect some loyalty in return—which makes it even more shocking when they’re let go.
If that’s you, your mind is probably racing with questions: What now? How’s the job market? Where do I even start looking? Here’s some solid advice to help you bounce back.
What to Do After Getting Laid Off When You’ve Been Employed for Years
Your first instinct might be to jump straight into job hunting. For someone with only a year or two of experience, that might make sense. But if you’ve been in the same role for a decade or more, there are a few things to tackle first.
File for Unemployment Benefits
Job searching can take a while—there’s no guarantee you’ll land something in the first few months. To stay financially secure while looking, file for unemployment benefits right away with your state’s unemployment office.
“The process can be slow, so get it started as soon as possible,” says Kaila Kea-Lewis, a career coach at The Muse. “Also, check your company’s severance policy and ask HR if you qualify.”
Once your finances are sorted, you can focus on your job search without the pressure of taking the first offer just to pay bills.
Take a Mental Health Break
The job market is tough, and the endless cycle of applying and interviewing can feel like a full-time job. Since you’ve just left a place where you spent so much of your time, consider taking a breather.
“Every job leaves emotional baggage—even ones you loved—and being laid off adds to it,” Lewis says. “Take time to unload that weight by stepping back.”
There’s no set time frame or rules—just do what feels relaxing. “Whether it’s a week at a resort, a staycation, or a weekend visiting family, schedule time to decompress, change your scenery, and do something that makes you happy,” she adds
“Job searching after years at one company has challenges, but also opportunities,” Lewis says. “You can switch fields, rebrand yourself, or enter a new industry. It won’t be easy, but it’s doable.”
Reconnect With Your Network
As an experienced professional, you likely have a strong network from your years in the field. Now’s the time to tap into it.
“Reach out to former coworkers or managers you’d like as references,” Lewis advises. Let them know you’re looking and ask if they can refer you to openings or recommend you.
Study the Current Job Market
Since you haven’t job-hunted in a while, you might be out of touch with trends and employer expectations. Technology (especially AI) and social-political shifts are reshaping the job market—especially for white-collar workers—so staying informed is key.
What does “well-prepared” mean? Get familiar with today’s landscape. Lewis suggests asking:
- What hiring trends should I know?
- Which skills are in demand?
- How can I update my resume to better highlight my strengths?
One way to do this is by browsing job postings on LinkedIn or The Muse. Pay attention to job descriptions, required skills, and company values. See how your experience matches up and adjust your resume accordingly.
How to Showcase Long-Term Experience on a Resume
No matter how long you stayed at your last job, keep your resume to two pages max. “List each role you held, along with the timeframes,” Lewis says. *“For recent roles (within 7-10 years), use bullet points to detail your impact. For older roles, a brief summary is enough.”*
Tailor other sections (skills, certifications, education) to each job application. Not everything will be relevant, so tweak your resume for each opportunity.
How Employers View Long-Term Employees
Company loyalty is usually seen as a plus, but not always.
“Employers often see long-term employees as reliable and valuable—especially if they’ve taken on more responsibility over time,” Lewis says. “But they might also wonder if you can adapt to a new environment or if you’re ambitious enough for change.”
Be ready to address these concerns. “Explain why you’re ready for a change and highlight traits like adaptability and eagerness to learn,” she advises.
How to Talk About Long Tenure in an Interview
“It’s normal to feel rusty after years without interviewing,” Lewis says. Practice common questions with a friend, coach, or even an AI tool.
“Don’t limit yourself to recent examples,” she adds. “Bring up volunteer work, leadership training, or other experiences that show growth during your time at the company.”
If You’re Laid Off After 50
Losing your job after 50 (especially after many years at one company) brings extra hurdles. Ageism—and for women, gender bias—is still a reality. Lewis suggests focusing on what you can control: your skills, network, and job search strategy.
“You can’t control others’ biases, but you can keep learning, expand your network, and target companies known for hiring diverse candidates,” she says.
If you face age discrimination, you have options. “You can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC),” Lewis notes. “This is often the first step if you decide to take legal action.”
Finally, prioritize your mental health. “Job searching is stressful and can trigger self-doubt or overwhelm—especially with discrimination added in,” she says. “Take breaks, lean on your support system, and check in with yourself regularly.”
Keep Going
Finding a job after a layoff is tough—especially if you’ve been at one company for years or are over 50. You’ll need to adapt to a fast-changing job market and push through with persistence. But it’s also a chance to reflect and redefine your next chapter. Be patient with yourself, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.
