
Laid Off? 3 Things to Do Immediately
From Career Contessa by Career Contessa
March 3, 2026 · 28 min · Episode 312
About this episode
This episode provides essential steps to take immediately after being laid off, featuring insights from Greg Lawson of the EDD.
Getting laid off can feel overwhelming—but knowing what to do next can make all the difference. Greg Lawson from California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) breaks down exactly what to do in the moments, days, and weeks after a layoff. From filing for unemployment the right way to accessing lesser-known support programs, this conversation helps you move forward with clarity and confidence. You’ll learn: The first 3 steps to take immediately after being laid off (before panic or paperwork sets in) How to file for unemployment benefits correctly—and avoid the most common mistakes that cause delays The EDD programs and resources that can support your job search beyond unemployment insurance Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources: EDD website: https://edd.ca.gov/ Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at…
People in this episode
Host: Career Contessa
Guest: Greg Lawson
Topics covered
- layoff
- unemployment
- job search
- support programs
- career advice
Keywords
- laid off
- unemployment benefits
- EDD programs
- job search support
- career coaching
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: California’s Employment Development Department, Career Contessa, EDD, EDD website
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