Layoff happened 5 days ago, feeling lost after 5 years as a copywriter

They called a meeting on Wednesday and 5 of us were let go. I had been there 5 years. I have a box of my things and a short letter about benefits. Which steps were urgent?

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.