Laid off this week, where do I start? - 8 months and counting

They called a meeting on Monday and 18 of us were let go. I had been there 18 years. There are 18 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. I have not told my family yet. Is there a checklist I should follow?

File for unemployment right away. Do not wait for severance decisions. The date you file can matter.

Give yourself the first couple of days to be upset. I did, and then I felt able to plan.