Laid Off? 3 Things to Do Immediately

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: Guest Resources: EDD website: Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: Take an online course: Get your personalized salary report: See Privacy Policy at and California Privacy Notice at .

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Laid Off? 3 Things to Do Immediately is an episode from The Career Contessa Podcast by Lauren McGoodwin.

This episode is 00:28:08 long.

This episode was published on Mar 3, 2026.

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