Layoff happened 17 days ago, feeling lost

They called a meeting on Monday and 17 of us were let go. I had been there 17 years. Any experience at all would help. I have a box of my things and a short letter about benefits. 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.

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