Issue #2 — Don’t Panic, Get Answers

Hey friend,

In Issue #0, we introduced the 5 Things to Do After a Layoff — a blueprint for turning panic into power. This week, we zoom in on #1: Know Your Rights.

Because the more you know, the less you fear.

💼 What to Do the Day You're Let Go

A layoff conversation can feel like a tidal wave. Here’s your anchor:

✅ Get it in writing
Ask for an official termination letter with your last day, reason for termination, and payout/benefit info.

✅ Don’t sign anything immediately
Separation agreements often include legal waivers. You have the right to review them (typically for 21+ days). Take the time.

✅ Take notes
Write down what HR tells you, including timelines for your final paycheck, benefits cutoff, and COBRA options.

✅ Get a contact person
Ask who to reach out to if questions or issues arise in the weeks ahead.

📃 Severance Agreements: What to Look For

If you're offered a severance package, remember: it's not charity — it's part of your exit terms, and you can (and should) review it carefully.

🧺 Understand the Full Package

Severance isn’t just a lump-sum check. A good package can include a mix of:

• Base pay continuation – This is usually calculated based on your tenure, but it's not set in stone. According to Indeed, you can negotiate for more time (e.g., 2 weeks per year of service vs. 1).

• Payouts of unused benefits – You may be owed vacation days, sick leave, or commissions. Ask what will be included in your final paycheck.

• Health insurance extensions – Some employers go beyond COBRA and cover a few months of your premium.

• Equity vesting acceleration – If you have stock options or RSUs, check if you’re getting credit for unvested shares or a longer exercise window. CustomCareer.Miami highlights that tech employees often overlook this.

• Outplacement support – Some employers offer career coaching, résumé help, or job placement services. Ask for this if it's not offered.

• Reference agreement – If you're not getting a formal letter, try to secure a verbal agreement that your manager or HR will provide a neutral or positive reference.

💡 Pro Tip from Indeed: If you were let go during a company-wide RIF (reduction in force), you might have more leverage — especially if peers received stronger terms.

🕰️ Give Yourself Time

Federal law gives workers over 40 at least 21 days to review a severance agreement and 7 days to revoke it after signing. Even if you're under 40, ask for a similar window. You don’t have to sign anything immediately.

🚨 Watch for Waivers

Severance agreements often include legal waivers, such as:

• Your right to sue the company for wrongful termination, discrimination, or retaliation

• Non-disparagement clauses that limit what you can say publicly about the company

• Confidentiality agreements that could restrict you from talking about the severance terms themselves

Ask: what am I giving up in exchange for this severance?

⚖️ Talk to an Attorney

If you feel uneasy or suspect your layoff was unjust, consult a labor or employment attorney. They can help you evaluate whether you're entitled to more — especially if your rights may have been violated.

Many offer free consultations, and it’s often money well spent when you're negotiating your exit on fair terms.

🧾 Unemployment Benefits 101

You’ve earned this support. Here's how to get it:

📅 File as soon as possible — Waiting can delay your first payment.

🌍 Each state is different — Use USA.gov to find your local rules and application portal.

💡 Worried because you were fired, not laid off? You may still qualify unless you were fired for serious misconduct. Find out more here.

🧠 Pro Tip: You can freelance or consult while receiving benefits — just report your earnings.

🏥 Health Insurance After Layoff (U.S.-Only)

Health insurance doesn't have to vanish overnight. You’ve got two main paths:

🩺 COBRA — Keep your employer plan for up to 18 months. Expect to pay full premiums + 2% fee. Costly but good if you want continuity of care.

🛒 Marketplace — Losing a job qualifies you for a special enrollment window. Subsidies can drastically lower premiums depending on income. Check options at HealthCare.gov

💡 Compare total cost + network coverage before deciding.

🗣️ Scripts: How to Ask HR the Right Questions

Here are direct questions to help you cover all essential bases:

• “Is this part of a broader layoff (RIF) or an individual termination?”

• “What is my final paycheck date, and what will it include (unused PTO, commissions)?”

• “Am I being offered severance? Can you explain the review period and its components?”

• “What happens to my healthcare—COBRA deadline, and do I qualify for Marketplace coverage?”

• “Will my stock/equity vest? Can I still get an offer letter or reference?”

• “If I have questions later or receive paperwork, whom should I contact?”

💛 Before You Go

You didn’t get laid off because you failed. You got laid off because something changed — a budget, a board, a decision you had no say in. Your worth hasn’t dropped a cent. Your story’s just shifting chapters.

Keep going. We're right here with you.

🎯 THIS WEEK’S CHALLENGE

Make a list of everything you’re owed: final paycheck, unused PTO, severance, commissions, stock, health insurance. Use it as a checklist when reviewing your separation paperwork. Bonus: Ask HR every question you don’t yet have a clear answer for.

🔥 FUEL FOR THE WEEK

You may not have had control over the layoff — but you do have control over how you leave. Ask questions. Take notes. Take your time. You’re not being difficult; you’re being thorough. That’s power.

🧰 RESOURCES

• 💼 Indeed — Negotiating your severance package

• 🎓 University of Miami Career Center — More tips on negotiating your severance

• ⚖️ PLLawFirm — Why Your Severance Agreement Should Be Reviewed By a Lawyer

• 🧾 USA.gov — Unemployment Benefits Overview

• 🏥 HealthCare.gov — Health Insurance After Job Loss

🙋‍♀️ HIRING FROM THE COMMUNITY

Coming soon! We’ll be sharing job leads from trusted folks once they start rolling in.
👉 Submit a lead →

💬 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

If you’ve recently been laid off and want visibility, we’d love to spotlight you.
👉 Fill out this short form →

📬 What’s Coming Next

In future issues, you’ll get:

• Layoff roundups

• Job leads from the community

• Templates + tools

• Survivor stories

• Mindset shifts

• Alternative income ideas

• And more quick wins like this one

This is just the beginning. We’re building something real here — together.

✌️ Until Next Week

Keep going.
Keep breathing.
You’ve got this.

— Win
Fellow layoff survivor, creator of Let Go Weekly