“I did everything right, and still got laid off.” 😤

That line from author and marketing leader Steve Jaffe hit hard. Because it’s true for so many of us.In our latest Laid Off Legends podcast, Steve shares the raw, real story of being laid off four times, and how each experience shaped the roadmap he now shares with others. Through the powerful five stages of grief framework, Steve reframes the layoff journey from shame to strength. From silence to storytelling. From loss… to legacy.🎙 We talk about:

Why job loss hits our identity so hard

How self-compassion, daily routines, and gratitude shape recovery

What it means to exit with goodwill (even when it’s hard)Buddhist wisdom, depression stats, and navigating ambiguity

Why “the person who enters the layoff isn’t the same one who comes out”

This is such a timely topic and resource.

It's not just a list; its a survival guide for high performers navigating deep disruption, with a strong reminder that you’re not alone.

Resources:

Author Website - https://thestevejaffe.com/ - Download your free chapter here!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaffesteve/ - Let's Connect 🧠 Read Steve’s book: The Layoff Journey From Dismissal to Discovery: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DXSDCQPY/ref=nosim?tag=laidofflegend-20

(we get a small commission with this link, so pls support Steve and the channel with your purchase!)

💬 Share your story or tag someone who needs to hear this.#LaidOffLegends #CareerResilience #SteveJaffe #MentalHealth #Layoffs #Leadership #CareerTransition

What happens when the recruiter gets laid off?

In this powerful episode of Laid Off Legends, Maya shares her unfiltered story—what it felt like to go from hiring talent to suddenly being on the other side of the layoff call. We dive into:

✅ The emotional whiplash of being laid off as a recruiter

✅ Why even the “people people” feel isolated in the process

✅ Lessons from helping others land roles—and applying them to herself

✅ Her honest take on giving back, networking, and being open to unexpected opportunities.

✅ What job seekers need to know right now about the resumes and the recruiting mindset. Whether you're in the middle of your own job search or supporting someone who is, Maya's insight is real, raw, and incredibly helpful.

To reach out to Maya for a resume consulting session, please use this link:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHTBExvoB2GHaim5V30GRSsPvIsoI9SI1aNHREbYPUDleyKg/viewform The first three candidates will receive a free session!

A real conversation with Dr. Valdesha DeJean on navigating shame, emotional safety, and resilience inside the home after a layoff.What happens after the layoff email hits? Not just at work but at home?In this deeply personal episode of Laid Off Legends, I sit down with nationally recognized psychiatrist Dr. Valdesha DeJean to explore the emotional ripple effect of layoffs, not just on the individual, but on spouses, kids, and family systems.

We talk about:

✅ Why anxiety after layoffs is contagious inside a home

✅ How to create emotional safety in hard conversations

✅ The hidden role of gender dynamics in shame

✅ Why vulnerability matters—and how to offer it wisely

✅ How to rebuild confidence and connection over time

✅ And the powerful question every laid-off parent should ask their family:“What value do I bring outside of my paycheck?”

This episode is a must-watch for anyone navigating career disruption while trying to stay grounded for the people they love.

💬 If you’ve ever felt like you had to “hold it all together” after losing your job, this is your permission to stop pretending and start rebuilding, with your family, not in isolation.

Resources:

Laid Off Legends Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/laidofflegends/about

(You'll find the Layoff Recovery course in the Classroom)

Dr. DeJean's work:

Site: https://www.drdejean.com/

Profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/psychiatrists/valdesha-dejean-atlanta-ga/1525542

Dr. Aliya Rao's work on relationships and unemployment:

https://www.aliya-hamid-rao.com/