Laid off this week, where do I start? after 18 years as an insurance claims processor

They called a meeting on Monday and 18 of us were let go. I had been there 18 years. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. I have a few weeks of savings and a rent payment due. What did you do in the first week?

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

Ask for your final pay, unused leave and any documents in writing before you leave, if you still can.