''I was laid off from my full-time job recently, and I knew I had to have a plan to manage this big change. To start, I saved whatever work I could gather examples of before leaving, including public-facing projects that showcased my skills. Next, I understood my finances and resources by checking my income, expenses, and severance or PTO payouts. I also scheduled some time off to decompress and reflect on my experience at my former company. After resting, I updated everything that potential employers or clients might look at, including my resume, LinkedIn profile, portfolio, and any relevant certifications or training. Then, I talked about it with my network by posting about it on LinkedIn, reaching out to professional contacts, finding new ones, and sharing my story with others. Finally, I dreamt big and thought outside the box about what's next for me, considering options like going back to school, starting a side hustle, or switching industries. With these steps in mind, I'm ready to start applying for new jobs.'