Episode 302

How to Bounce Back After a Layoff: The 7 Stages of Grief with Steve Jaffe

Hardly a week goes by without news of another high-profile layoff. From tech giants like Meta and Tesla to government agencies and financial institutions, corporate professionals at every level find themselves confronting an unsettling new normal. As a career coach, outplacement provider, and host of The Job Hunting Podcast, I've observed firsthand the toll layoffs are taking both financially and emotionally. In this episode’s conversation with Steve Jaffe, author of "The Layoff Journey: From Dismissal to Discovery," we unpacked the psychological impacts of job loss and how professionals can emerge stronger.  

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Timestamps to guide your listening:

  • 00:00 Navigating Layoffs: A Personal Journey
  • 02:07 Understanding the Stages of Grief in Layoffs
  • 04:52 Coping Mechanisms and Emotional Resilience
  • 07:57 The Impact of Identity Loss
  • 11:02 Managing Anger and Bargaining
  • 13:42 The Importance of Rest and Recovery
  • 16:49 Finding Meaning and Moving Forward
  • 25:25 The Importance of a Well-Rounded Life
  • 27:24 Shame and Identity in Unemployment
  • 29:07 Owning Your Professional Identity
  • 30:58 The Job Search as Full-Time Work
  • 33:59 Building and Utilizing Your Network
  • 37:14 Resilience in Job Searching
  • 39:04 The Role of Career Coaching
  • 40:55 The Value of a Strong Network
  • 46:05 Living with Intentionality
  • 51:38 New Chapter

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About the host, Renata Bernarde

Hello, I'm Renata Bernarde, the Host of The Job Hunting Podcast. I'm also an executive coach, job-hunting expert, and career strategist. I teach corporate, non-profit, and public professionals the steps and frameworks to help them find great jobs, change, and advance their careers with confidence and less stress. 

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About the Podcast

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The Job Hunting Podcast

About your host

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Renata Bernarde

I'm Renata Bernarde, a former CEO and senior executive, now dedicated to helping professionals succeed in advancing their careers. I believe that you can have the best career. One that satisfies your financial and personal needs, brings you joy, and adds value to your life.
I designed career services that can meet your needs and your budget. So, if you're a seasoned professional at a career crossroads, seeking to align your next job with your life's purpose, then let's redefine your career path together and turn aspirations into achievements. Are you ready? Let's embark on this journey together.

Warm regards

Renata Bernarde