What to Do After Being Laid Off From a Remote Job
Losing a remote job hits differently. You’re not just out of work — you’re suddenly disconnected, destabilized, and likely staring down financial stress without even a commute to distract you. But this moment, painful as it is, can be a strategic reset. Here’s what to do first, fast, and smart.
✅ Summary: Quick Wins if You’re Suddenly Laid Off
If you’ve just been laid off from a remote job:
- File for unemployment immediately — eligibility varies by state or country, but delays hurt.
- Back up all your files and professional contacts before accounts are disabled.
- Tap your remote networks for referrals and side gigs.
- Reboot your job search with vetted boards like FlexJobs for scam-free listings.
- Target premium roles with The Ladders if you earned $100K+ previously.
- Consider a strategic pivot: freelancing, consulting, or alternative remote careers are viable now.
Step 1: Secure Your Digital and Financial Life
Immediately back up any files from your work laptop or cloud drives — ideally before access is revoked. Save your performance reviews, portfolio samples, and anything that proves your impact.
If your health insurance was tied to your job, check your COBRA options (U.S.) or local alternatives. Pause recurring expenses and subscriptions until you’ve recalibrated your monthly budget.
💬 “My Slack access was cut 15 minutes after the call — I lost months of client messages and notes.” — Rachel from Toronto
Step 2: File for Unemployment (Don’t Delay)
Even if you’re planning to jump into a new role quickly, file for unemployment immediately. Many regions allow remote workers to claim benefits even if the company is headquartered elsewhere.
Pro Tip: Use this guide on filing unemployment for remote workers for U.S.-specific instructions.
This isn’t a moral failure — it’s a cushion you’re entitled to, one that buys you space to make smarter long-term moves.
Step 3: Don’t Rely on Job Boards Alone
Most laid-off remote workers default to Indeed or LinkedIn. But those are saturated — and many listings are outdated or reposted.
Instead, use FlexJobs — it’s one of the few remote job platforms that screens every listing for legitimacy. You’ll avoid scams and find roles across tech, admin, and even nonprofit sectors.
🎯 Looking for $100K+ roles only? Apply directly via The Ladders. It’s one of the few sites that filters by high-salary verified roles, with a remote-first tab.
Step 4: Consider Alternative Remote Careers
If your industry is shrinking (e.g., support, sales, content), don’t just replace your last role — rethink your path.
This is where our guide on Alternative Careers comes in. It walks you through pivots like:
- Tech adjacent: QA testing, SaaS customer education, onboarding specialist
- Freelance-friendly: Copywriting, SEO strategy, virtual assistance
- Skilling up: Short-term microcredentials in project management or UX via Educative
Step 5: Rebuild Your Routine and Mental Frame
When you work remotely, your job was your routine. Post-layoff, it’s easy to spiral into isolation.
Anchor yourself by recreating the structure:
- Set a job-search “shift” (e.g., 9–12 PM)
- Co-work virtually with friends via Focusmate or Zoom
- Block time for learning or mental health (yes, breaks matter)
🧠 Mental resets aren’t laziness. They’re necessary cognitive recovery after shock.
Step 6: Monetize Sooner — Not Just Smarter
Your next full-time role may take 4–12 weeks to land. In the meantime:
- Offer hourly consulting based on your old job
- Sell templates or checklists on Gumroad or Notion
- Apply for short-term contract gigs on FlexJobs
The goal isn’t to “hustle” — it’s to buffer your runway without panic.
📚 For a full breakdown, read our guide on Rebooting Remote Income
👩💻 FAQ: What Remote Workers Ask After Layoffs
What are the first three things I should do after being laid off remotely?
1. Secure digital assets (docs, contacts)
2. Apply for unemployment
3. Start networking and updating your job hunt platforms
Can remote workers get unemployment?
Yes — eligibility depends on your legal work location, not your employer’s HQ. Apply through your local system.
Should I take any job just to stay afloat?
No. Bridge your income smartly (freelance, contract gigs) while holding out for roles aligned with your skills and salary range.
🔧 Ready to Rebuild Remotely?
🎯 Still getting ghosted by job boards? Get serious and switch to FlexJobs — they vet every post, every time.
💼 Aiming for six-figure remote roles? Skip the spam. The Ladders curates verified $100K+ jobs with real hiring traction.
🧠 Don’t go it alone — use the right tools. They’re the difference between spinning wheels and landing work.
