You Just Got Laid Off? Here is what to do…
It’s happening again. Tech layoffs in Austin are back in the headlines, and this time it’s not just isolated to a few big-name companies. A recent article in the Austin Business Journal revealed that many CEOs… particularly those leading small and mid-sized tech firms are feeling the economic pressure. The second half of the year may bring even more reductions in workforce.
For those working in Austin tech, this isn’t new. Layoffs are an unfortunate but real part of life in an innovation-driven economy. They happen in the Silicon Valley and every other tech hub. And if you just got laid off, here’s the first thing to remember: don’t be embarrassed. It’s not a personal failure. It’s not a career ender. It’s a moment… one that you can turn into momentum.
This blog post is for anyone in the Austin tech ecosystem who is facing a layoff, worried about one, or knows someone who is. Here are five things to do immediately if you’ve been let go… and why this may be the start of your next great chapter.
1. Take a Breath, Then Take Action
You’re allowed to be upset. Shock, frustration, fear; it’s all valid. But don’t sit in that space for too long. Within a few days, it’s time to move forward. Start by updating your resume and LinkedIn profile. Announce your availability, but do it in a way that shows confidence, not desperation. You are talented. You are experienced. You will land again.
One tip: Ask former coworkers and supervisors for LinkedIn recommendations. These testimonials don’t just help with visibility… they’re good for your spirit, too.
2. Reconnect with Your Network
There’s a Chinese proverb that says, “The best time to plant a tree was 30 years ago. The second-best time is today.” The same goes for your professional relationships. If you haven’t nurtured your network, now is the perfect time to start. And if you have, now is the time to reach out.
Austin is a relationship-driven town. It’s not just about who you know, but who you help. Make some coffee dates. Attend events. Send a note of encouragement to someone else… don’t make it all about your own job search. The people who stay connected and give generously are the ones who rebound fastest.
Don/t feel you have a network? Join a job seekers club. There are several in Austin and they are places where people like you come together and share ideas.
3. Get Plugged Into the Community
One of the best ways to find your next role is by staying engaged with the broader tech ecosystem. The Austin Technology Council is actively working to bring together the leadership of growing tech companies… especially those in the small and mid-sized space so that the whole community can thrive.
When tech leaders operate in silos, nobody wins. But when people show up, support each other, and collaborate, opportunities multiply. Whether it’s attending a roundtable, joining a peer group, or just saying yes to a happy hour invite, being in the room can make all the difference.
And remember once you land you next job that your being plugged into the community does not stop. This is your way to give back to other and to be better prepared the next time you get laid off.
Check out the ATC Community Events Calendar for a list of upcoming meet ups.
4. Consider a Pivot or a Passion
A layoff can be a crossroads. You might go back to a similar role at a similar company. Or you might finally explore a new path that’s been on your mind. A different sector. A startup. A nonprofit. Consulting. Entrepreneurship.
Many people in the Austin tech community look back on their layoffs as the unexpected spark that led to something better. Don’t be afraid to take a class, talk to a coach, or ask friends what they see in you. Sometimes the people around you have a clearer view of your potential than you do.
5. Remember You’re Not Alone
This part matters most. You’re not the only one going through this. And Austin is not just a boomtown… it’s a people town. And the people here know that tech layoffs in Austin are part of the cycle. Real relationships still matter here. Authenticity matters. If you’re struggling, talk about it. If you’re thriving, offer a hand. We rise together.
The Austin Technology Council is here to be a connector, a resource, and a catalyst for this community. The layoffs happening across town are real, but so is the opportunity to build something stronger… together.
Always keep showing up. And let’s make sure that no one faces these transitions without support. Because when one door closes, Austin’s tech community has a way of opening a window… and usually, the view is even better.