Layoff happened 17 days ago, feeling lost

They called a meeting on Tuesday and 17 of us were let go. I had been there 17 years. This is my first time dealing with any of this. I have not told my family yet. What did you do in the first week?

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

I made a short list: benefits, bills, documents, and then my résumé. One thing each day kept me steady.