Navigating the Emotional Journey of Layoffs with Steve Jaffe
Release Date: 02/16/2026
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info_outlineLayoffs are often treated as mere logistical issues — a quick notice, the severance package, and then the scramble for the next job. But what gets lost in this framing is the profound emotional and psychological impact job loss has on our identity, self-worth, and mental health. Steve Jaffe, author of "The Layoff Journey: From Dismissal to Discovery," joins Angie Callen to explore how layoffs mirror the stages of grief we experience with loss and how embracing these stages can lead to resilience and renewed purpose.
In this episode, we explore:
- The deep connection between professional identity and self-worth
- How layoffs trigger grief stages like denial, anger, and depression
- Why skipping emotional processing hurts job seekers during interviews
- The seven stages of grief applied to career transitions
- Common emotional roadblocks and how to move past them
- Practical advice on self-care and structuring your days after job loss
- The critical role of networking and community in the job search
- Understanding layoffs as a growing, new normal in modern work
- The importance of separating your identity from your job title
- How to future-proof your career through transferable skills and diversification
- The rise of AI and the value of creative human thinking
This conversation matters because layoffs are no longer rare events, and the future of work demands that we view career disruption through a human and emotional lens—not just tactics and resumes. By acknowledging the pain and giving ourselves space to grieve and grow, we can transform career setbacks into opportunities for clarity, reinvention, and leadership.
Steve Jaffe is a marketing veteran with over 25 years of experience and has lived through four layoffs himself. He now shares his unique blend of personal insight and professional expertise to guide people through the emotional landscape of job loss. His book, "The Layoff Journey," offers a practical roadmap to navigating grief and emerging with renewed confidence and purpose. Connect with Steve through his website stevejaffe.com, LinkedIn, or find his book on Amazon.
At No More Mondays, we believe humans still matter — especially when work feels uncertain. Steve's story reminds us that with space to grieve and a values-centered approach, we can rise from disruption stronger and more authentic than ever.
--> Get Steve's Book: https://thestevejaffe.com/