“So often conversations and coaching goes straight to, ‘Here’s how you update your resume. Here’s what you do with your LinkedIn profile.’ And there’s nothing that says, ‘Listen, you need to pause. You’re gonna feel some grief. It’s gonna hurt, and here’s how you get through it.”

In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, author Steve Jaffe shares how losing a job impacts identity, mental health, relationships, and self-worth — and why the traditional “just update your resume” advice misses the point.

Drawing from his book, The Layoff Journey, Steve explains how the seven stages of grief can help people process layoffs, regain confidence, and navigate career transitions with resilience, acceptance, and hope.

In the episode, we discuss:

• Why layoffs are rarely personal
• 3 Things to Do in the Early Days
• Healthy coping tools (like a gratitude practice) that actually help

If you’re navigating a layoff, career transition, or burnout, this conversation will help you feel less alone.

To learn more about Steve and his book, visit thestevejaffe.com.

If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to Episode #55 “When Gratitude is Hard” with Eve Turek and Episode #44 “How Tami Adams Turned Job Loss Into Success.”

Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you.

Donna’s latest book, Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens, can be purchased here. To join our email list or inquire about meditation instruction or life coaching, visit donnayferris.com

Follow Donna on Instagram, Bluesky, or YouTube @donnayferris or Facebook @donnayatesferris. Her guided meditations can also be found on Insight Timer.

And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline in the US is 1-877-565-8860, and in Canada, it is 1-877-330-6366.

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