Fill Your Pockets

Someone once said to me after getting laid off, “I wasted 10 years at that company.” That really stuck with me. Because if you spent 10 years somewhere and feel like you walked away with nothing, maybe you missed some of the most valuable things that job could have offered.

When we think about what we get from a job, most of us go straight to the paycheck, health insurance, and PTO. But the real value is in everything else you take with you when you leave—experience, skills, confidence, leadership growth, and relationships that can support your career long after your badge stops working.

One of the best things you can do for yourself—whether you’re new in your role or have been around for years—is to keep your resume ready. Not because you're always looking, but because opportunities and layoffs both tend to come without warning. I encourage my team to keep a running “internal resume” with their projects, trainings, achievements, and lessons learned. Update it quarterly, after big releases, or before your review cycle. Share it with your manager during check-ins. It becomes a powerful tool for promotions, raises—and if needed, for finding your next role.

It’s also a good idea to look at the job market even when you’re not planning to leave. Skim job boards every few weeks. See what roles are in demand, what technologies are trending, and what companies are growing. Let that inform where you focus your development. If you’re seeing a lot of jobs asking for Kubernetes, cloud platforms, or AI skills, that’s a signal. If you notice companies in sectors like healthcare tech, cybersecurity, or edtech consistently hiring, that’s worth paying attention to.

And don’t sleep on the resources your company offers. Many employers provide access to learning platforms like Udemy or Coursera, conference budgets, reimbursement for certifications, or even tuition assistance. I’ve used these perks to study AWS, deepen my understanding of AI, and grow as a leader. But I’ve also seen plenty of folks ignore those benefits and miss out. These are things that build your resume and your resilience.

Another critical asset? Your network. Not just on LinkedIn, but in real life—your coworkers, managers, direct reports, and collaborators. These are the people who can recommend you, refer you, and support you if you’re impacted by a layoff. When someone leaves your company, stay in touch. Drop a note to congratulate them on a new role or send a quick message when you see their team is hiring. These relationships often lead to your next opportunity.

And while we’re at it—don’t forget to check in on your long-term benefits like your 401(k). Understand your vesting schedule, contribution match, and the financial planning resources your company offers. I’ve seen people walk away from jobs without realizing they left retirement money behind. Make sure you know what’s yours and take advantage of tools that help you plan for the future.

I was laid off early in my career. It was a shock. The company had just invested in Agile and Java training for us, and then sent the work offshore. But because I had taken that training seriously, kept my network strong, and focused on growth, I found my next job quickly. It taught me a lesson I still carry: always be investing in yourself, even when things feel secure.

Layoffs are hard. Change is hard. But if you’ve put in the effort—if you’ve tracked your growth, used your resources, stayed connected, and kept your resume ready—you’re not leaving empty-handed.

You’re leaving with your pockets full and a strong sense of what comes next.