Laid Off to Launch: A Toolkit for Journalists

Journalists are no strangers to layoffs. Chances are, you’ve experienced the anxiety of potentially losing your job, worked in a newsroom that announced job cuts, or known industry colleagues who have been laid off — or all three. In 2023, roughly 2,700 jobs in the journalism sector were eliminated. In January 2024 alone, there were 528 news layoffs.
This free toolkit was commissioned and created by the News Revenue Hub because we want to support talented news professionals in finding fulfilling new roles that allow them to continue contributing to the ecosystem. It’s designed to support journalists in the immediate aftermath of a layoff as well as those who voluntarily decide to leave an unfulfilling job or pursue a new path. We wish it weren’t necessary to create a resource like this, but the data is hard to ignore. Whether you have recently been laid off, are thinking about leaving your job, or simply want to be prepared, this toolkit is for you.
Finding out that you’ve been laid off is a disorienting and difficult experience. We understand that, and we want to help. This resource is organized into sections filled with actionable tasks and encouraging guidance. In putting this guide together, we spoke to dozens of journalists who have been in your shoes and highlighted a few of their stories here.
Although each person’s situation is different and not all of our advice will apply to everyone, we hope that this toolkit is useful as you prepare to launch to the next stage of your career. Losing your job is not good news — but it can open up new opportunities.
ㅤ
→ Step One: Your Pre-Launch Checklist — Immediate tasks to do after notice of a layoff
→ Step Two: Prepare for Launch — Financial and mental steps before looking for a job
→ Step Three: Ignition — Rebuild your confidence and skills as you start the job hunt
→ Step Four: Blast Off — Where to look for jobs and how to stay motivated
→ Step Five: Mission Accomplished — Here’s how to plan for re-entry
→ Resources — Job boards, financial resources, self-care recommendations, and more

Step One: Your Pre-Launch Checklist
There are a few key things everyone should do after getting notice of a layoff. Here are some immediate and essential tasks to help laid-off journalists stabilize their situation and prepare for next steps.
☐ Review your severance package: Take time to understand the terms, conditions and benefits offered by your previous employer. This includes the amount of severance pay, payment schedule, continuation of benefits such as health insurance, and any clauses related to non-compete or non-disclosure agreements. Asking a trusted friend or colleague — and, in some cases, an employment lawyer — to also review this information can be helpful. Make sure to clarify any questions or ambiguities with your former employer’s HR department.
- From Poynter: Navigating the fine print of a layoff.
☐ File for unemployment benefits: As soon as possible, apply for unemployment benefits through your state’s unemployment office. This process typically involves submitting information about your previous employment, reason for job loss, and current financial status. Make sure to familiarize yourself with any work search requirements to maintain eligibility, and keep detailed records of your job search activities.
☐ Research options for health insurance: Be sure to explore your options for continuing health coverage, such as COBRA, which allows you to temporarily continue the health insurance you had with your previous employer; plans available through the Health Insurance Marketplace; or, if applicable, insurance through your spouse or partner. Compare costs, coverage, and benefits to find the best fit for your needs, and take note of enrollment deadlines to ensure continuous coverage.
☐ Document important information: If possible, jot down helpful information before you’re logged out of your company email and other websites. This may include contact information for colleagues you want to keep in touch with and sources you may need. Ask your HR department for login assistance with your health insurance and retirement plan so you can access those accounts outside of your company’s network.
☐ Note the wins: You may also want to request copies of your performance reviews, or write down those accomplishments while they’re fresh. It’s also a good idea to save your clips as PDFs — this will be hugely helpful once you start your job search.
PRE-LAUNCH: QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
Everyone’s situation is different. These questions can help you as you figure out next steps in your layoff experience.
🚀 Do I understand the terms of my severance package?
🚀 Is there anything I want to negotiate?
🚀 Am I thinking clearly, or should I review everything with someone I trust?
“You are more than your employment status. We are conditioned to equate our profession with our identity, so being laid off can feel like losing a part of yourself. Remember: you have value, regardless of your employment status. When your self-worth is tied too closely to your profession, career challenges feel like an indictment on your value as a person.”
— Phoebe Gavin, career and leadership coach
🚀 🚀 🚀
Phoebe Gavin knows a thing or two about layoffs. In 2015, she was laid off from her job as a writer at Upworthy, which caught her “completely off guard” and landed her in debt as she spent four months searching for a new job. Then, in 2020, she was part of mass layoffs at Quartz, where she worked as the editorial director of growth. “It was another reminder to keep investing in my savings and network,” she said.
In 2023, Gavin experienced her third layoff — this time at Vox, where she was the executive director of talent and development. This experience felt different: “I was angry, but I wasn’t afraid. I knew I had been strategic about staying on top of industry trends, prioritizing savings, keeping my skills marketable, and nurturing my network,” Gavin said. “Those investments in my professional resilience meant the transition ended up being fairly smooth, despite the emotional challenges.”
Gavin now works as a career and leadership coach. In addition to building up savings and nurturing a strong support network, she advises laid-off journalists to “rediscover, explore, and embrace” parts of their identity outside of work.
“Make sure to engage in activities and interests that aren’t related to the industry or your job search,” she said. “This is good for your sense of self and your overall mental health. You’ll find it easier to find motivation for your job search and tell your professional story with pride and authenticity.”

Step Two: Prepare for Launch
Before you consider the next steps in your career, take some time to assess your financial situation and lean on the support and connections of others. You’ll also want to give yourself an opportunity to grieve — a job loss is a major loss, and the feelings you’re experiencing are valid.
☐ Do a budget audit: Outline your monthly expenses and compare them to your severance pay and unemployment benefits. Identify areas where you can cut back to stretch your resources further.
☐ Prioritize expenses: Focus on essential expenses such as rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, and health insurance. Look for ways to minimize non-essential spending, such as subscriptions to streaming services or dining out. You may also want to consider calling your cell phone provider, mortgage lender, and other companies to discuss the possibility of reducing your monthly expenses.
- Seek financial advice: If you’re unsure how to manage your finances during this period, consider consulting a financial advisor who can provide personalized advice and strategies. While this can be a short-term added expense, it may be worth it for long-term peace of mind.
☐ Lean on your network: Journalists are good at rallying support after mass layoffs. As uncomfortable as it may feel, consider sharing your news on social media or in a group email. Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and other industry contacts to let them know about your situation. You might be surprised by the encouragement you receive in return.
☐ Take time to process: Remember: it’s not your fault that you got laid off. Before you jump back into the job search, give yourself some time to grieve and make room for the many feelings you’re experiencing. It can also be helpful to use this time to consider the facets of your previous job. What did you like about it? What didn’t you like? Jot down a list that you can consult once you start looking for a new position.
PREPARE FOR LAUNCH: QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
You don’t need to know all the answers yet, but asking yourself these questions can help you determine where you’re headed next.
🚀 Do I have a good understanding of my budget and financial needs for the next several months?
🚀 What takeaways can I apply from my previous job experience as I consider something new?
🚀 Do I want to return to a news organization, become a freelancer or entrepreneur, or leave the industry?
Beware the ‘stigma trap’
In his research, Ofer Sharone, associate professor of Sociology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, explores the concept of the “stigma trap” and its impact on people who have been laid off. According to Sharone, unemployment carries a significant stigma in our society, which affects both the individuals who experience it and the perceptions of those around them. This stigma often leads to self-blame, despite the fact that layoffs are not a reflection of one’s abilities or worth.
The stigma associated with unemployment can create a vicious cycle, making it more difficult for individuals to find new work. Research shows that hiring managers discriminate against unemployed people, especially those who are over 50 and have been unemployed for longer than six months. This discrimination reinforces feelings of shame and rejection, which can further diminish a person’s confidence and motivation.
Sharone recommends that people who are laid off acknowledge the structural challenges and biases that exist in the job market, rather than internalizing blame. By recognizing that factors beyond personal control, such as hiring discrimination and unemployment stigma, play a significant role, laid-off individuals can better navigate their job search and have a more realistic view of the factors at play. Sharone said he’s been encouraged by the open, candid conversations he’s been able to facilitate among people who were laid off after they learned about the concept of the “stigma trap.”
“For the first time, they heard that other people were having exactly the same experience as they were,” he said. “They would say things like, ‘It made me feel less weird,’ or, ‘It helped me realize it’s really not about me. It’s that I’m caught up in a situation.’ And with that comes a strong boost of well-being, and this helps people keep going.”
🚀 These insights and quotes were drawn from multiple interviews with Ofer Sharone on the Proxy podcast, which is hosted by Yowei Shaw — a journalist who was laid off from her job at NPR.

Step Three: Ignition
Reconnecting with your community, brushing up your resume, and learning new skills can help you regain confidence as you look for your next opportunity.
☐ Reconnect with your network: Researchers have found that “weak ties,” rather than your closest friends, are most beneficial when it comes to finding employment. Consider emailing former colleagues, mentors, and other folks in the news industry to let them know what kinds of jobs you’re looking for. Also be on the lookout for events, webinars, and meetups to expand your network and stay updated on trends in the news industry.
☐ The Facebook group “What’s Your Plan B?” was created for journalists who have been laid off, those who are anxious about the prospect of layoffs, and those who have pivoted in their careers “to share ideas, business plans, strategies, success stories, [and] anything that might give hope, help and inspiration to those who need it.”
☐ Update your resume and LinkedIn profile: Make sure your resume is up to date with your most recent experience and accomplishments. Likewise, update your LinkedIn profile and actively engage with relevant posts and discussions.
☐ Experiment: There are a host of online resources to help people looking for work. These options piqued our interest:
- On the subreddit r/resumes, Reddit users share free resume feedback and advice.
- Digital Women Leaders is a free mentoring resource for women and non-binary people in journalism.
- And you can even use ChatGPT for help: Enter the job description of the role you’re considering along with your current CV, and AI will suggest a more tailored version of your resume. (Don’t forget to fact-check and proofread it!)
☐ Learn new skills: Use this time to take online courses, earn certifications, or develop new skills that can make you more competitive in the job market. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of courses tailored to journalists.
- Check out this free webinar from the Education Writers Association: Reporters: You’ve been laid off. Here’s how to recover.
- Consider pitching a story to (and learning more about) the Economic Hardship Reporting Project.
☐ Join professional organizations: Consider joining journalism organizations such as the Online News Association, the Society of Professional Journalists, or local press clubs. These organizations often provide job boards, networking opportunities, and professional development resources.
IGNITION: QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
Each person’s experience is different. Use these questions to help chart your course forward.
🚀 Who are your weak ties, and how can you reach out to them for support?
🚀 Is your resume up to date? What about your LinkedIn profile? Consider all your social media profiles, and whether you have a personal website. This work is tedious but crucial, so set aside a focused hour or two to clean up your online presence.
🚀 What’s a new skill you’ve been wanting to learn? Whether it’s experimenting with AI, learning the ins and outs of FOIA requests, or understanding TikTok, use this opportunity to add something new to your toolbox.
“Loss of employment is traumatic. Your layoff was likely a high-level decision by a company that had nothing to do with your abilities, your work ethic or your value as a person.”
— Kati Kokal, reporter at The Palm Beach Post, community aid network organizer
🚀 🚀 🚀
When Gannett laid off 400 employees in August 2022 and another 250 that December, Palm Beach Post reporter Kati Kokal decided to do something. With the help of her colleagues, she coordinated financial support, professional networking, job leads, childcare, insurance research help and other types of aid to those affected by the layoffs. The effort was a success — journalists got new jobs, relocated to new cities, and stayed out of debt.
Buoyed by the experience, Kokal created the Community Aid Network, a step-by-step guide to supporting journalists who have been laid off, from creating a layoff tracking sheet to organizing a financial assistance team. The website is full of resources for laid-off journalists and the people who are eager to support them.

Step Four: Countdown & Lift-Off
It’s time to start looking for jobs. Here’s where to look for positions, and how to stay motivated.
☐ Set up a daily routine: Losing a job can be disorienting, especially because it disrupts your daily routine. Try to create a new routine, including a specific time each day to search for and apply to jobs. You can also build in time for posting and commenting regularly on LinkedIn, and brushing up on interview skills.
☐ Know where to look: In addition to journalism job boards, there are a variety of newsletters that include industry openings and freelance opportunities. Here are some of our favorites:
- Journalism jobs and a photo of my dog, by Mandy Hofmockel. The job listings are great. The dog photos are even better.
- Inside The Newsroom, by Daniel Levitt. You can DM @InsideNewsroom_ on X (formerly Twitter) to get a free subscription if you’ve been laid off.
- We include job listings from Hub newsrooms in our monthly newsletter.
☐ Set goals, and document your progress: Applying for jobs can be a slog. Try and set a realistic number of jobs to apply to each day or week, and be sure to track your progress along the way. Journalist Mandy Hofmockel created a simple spreadsheet to help job-seekers keep track of applications.
☐ Celebrate the effort, not the outcome: You can’t control whether people respond to your job application. You can control, however, how many jobs you apply to. Set a goal for the day or week; once you hit that number, treat yourself with a reward. May we suggest ice cream?
☐ Get exercise and fresh air: Losing your job can take a toll on your mental health. In addition to setting up a routine to look for work, be sure to also prioritize getting exercise and getting outside. Go for walks. Make time to see friends and family. Give yourself the gift of a midday nap. Take care of yourself and be kind to yourself.
COUNTDOWN: QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
Everyone’s journey is unique. These questions can help guide your next steps.
🚀 What specific goals can I set for my job search each week?
🚀 How can I measure my progress and stay motivated during this process?
🚀 What are some ways I can reward myself for consistent effort, regardless of the outcome?
“We’ve been laid off, pushed out, sidelined, and watched as sustainable jobs disappeared in favor of exploitative, underpaid content mills. We decided to build our own future.”
— Lin Codega, Rowan Zeoli, and Chase Carter, Rascal co-founders
🚀 🚀 🚀
Layoffs can open doors to new opportunities. Many journalists use this moment to pivot — whether it’s freelancing, transitioning to a different industry, or launching their own news ventures. (For tips on freelancing, see the resource list below.)
“A lot of journalists don’t like the way the industry is going. They feel farther away from community and impact than they want to be,” said Amy Kovac-Ashley, executive director of the Tiny News Collective, which supports new local news founders. Some journalists — whether they’ve been laid off or are simply fed up — choose the entrepreneurial path.
The team behind Rascal, an independent, worker-owned outlet focused on tabletop roleplaying games, embraced this path. “We’ve been laid off, pushed out, sidelined, and watched as sustainable jobs disappeared in favor of exploitative, underpaid content mills,” co-founders Lin Codega, Rowan Zeoli, and Chase Carter state on their site.. “We decided to build our own future.”
Rascal is one of more than 50 members of the Tiny News Collective. For those considering starting a newsroom, Kovac-Ashley advises a community-centered approach: “Know who you want to serve and why.” From there, she suggests assessing your financial situation and risk tolerance. Finally, she recommends leaning on others for help — the goal of the collective is to share knowledge and resources.
No matter what direction you decide to take, Kovac-Ashley stresses the importance of not taking your layoff personally. “Your experience is part of a larger cultural shift,” she said. “It’s normal to feel hurt, sad and disappointed. You might even be relieved! Give yourself time to process whatever you need to.”

Step Five: Touchdown!
You did it! All your hard work has paid off. Now that you’ve landed a new job or started your own venture, here are some tips for a smooth re-entry into the workplace.
☐ Acknowledge your achievement: Take a moment to celebrate this milestone. Whether it’s a small personal reward or a gathering with friends and family, recognizing this win can boost your confidence as you transition into your new role.
- Embrace a learning mindset: Every new job comes with a learning curve. Approach your new role with curiosity and a willingness to learn. Ask questions, seek feedback, and be open to new ideas and processes.
☐ Update your network: Be sure to inform all the people you reached out to previously and let them know about your new job. Take the opportunity to thank them for their support and encouragement.
☐ Keep your good habits in place: Starting a new job can be demanding, but it’s important to prioritize healthy work-life habits from the start. If you took up a hobby or started exercising more during your time between jobs, keep those activities going! Allocating time for relaxation and personal interests will help you avoid burnout.
☐ Reflect and learn: Take time to reflect on your journey, from receiving your layoff notice to landing your new job. What have you learned? How have you grown? Continue contributing to your savings and nurturing your professional network to build career resilience and adaptability.
☐ Be patient with yourself: Adjusting to a new job takes time. Give yourself grace as you navigate new responsibilities, new coworkers, and new environments.
LIFT OFF: QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
We love a good retrospective. Here are some questions to ask as you embark on this new chapter in your career.
🚀 What lessons have I learned from my layoff experience that I want to carry forward?
🚀 Who in my network should I update about my new role, and how can I express my gratitude for their support?
🚀 Which healthy habits or routines did I establish during my time off, and how can I continue them?
- Job boards and newsletters:
- Association of Independents in Radio
- Beyond The Paywall, News Revenue Hub
- Inside The Newsroom by Daniel Levitt
- Journalism Jobs and a Photo of My Dog by Mandy Hofmockel
- JournalismJobs.com
- Mediabistro
- ONA Career Center
- Online resources for job seekers:
- Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer online courses
- Digital Women Leaders for free mentoring
- Economic Hardship Reporting Project
- Education Writers Association webinar: You’ve been laid off. Here’s how to recover
- r/resumes for resume feedback
- Professional organizations:
- Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA)
- Association of Health Care Journalists (AHCJ)
- Investigative Reporters & Editors (IRE)
- National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)
- National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ)
- National Press Club (NPC)
- Online News Association (ONA)
- Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)
- Tiny News Collective
- We also recommend researching and joining local press clubs
- Community Aid Network
- Health insurance options:
- COBRA for continuing health insurance
- Health Insurance Marketplace for exploring new plans
- Mint, a free budgeting and financial tracking tool
- Navigating the fine print of a layoff, Poynter Institute
- Unemployment Benefits Finder tool
- Unemployment Offices by state
- CNet: 10 meditation apps to try
- International Journalist Network’s Mental Health Toolkit
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline resource toolkit for confidential support, advice on finding a therapist or support group, or learning how to create a personal safety plan
- Poynter’s free self-directed course on journalism and trauma
- The Self-Investigation
- Freelancing with Tim by Tim Herrera
- Poynter: 6 freelancing tips from those who made the leap
- Study Hall, a community with resources and opportunities for freelance journalists
- U.S. writing freelance rates, a crowdsourced spreadsheet
- Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving by Celeste Headlee
- Laid Off, “interviews with smart and cool people who got laid off”
- Proxy by Yowei Shaw (the show’s first three episodes center on layoffs)
- The Stigma Trap: College-Educated, Experienced, and Long-Term Unemployed by Ofer Sharone