Navigating a Layoff as a Black Woman: The Real, Raw, and Necessary Guide
Layoffs hit differently when you’re a Black Woman. It’s not just about losing a job; it’s about the lack of a safety net others may have, the weight of financial responsibilities, and the quiet fear of what’s next in a system that already makes it harder for us to thrive.
If you’re reading this because you just got laid off, we see you. If you’re here because someone you love is going through it, we see you too.
Let’s get into it, the truth, the next steps, and how to move forward without losing yourself in the process. This guide is here to help you regain control, find resources, and build a strategy to come out stronger on the other side.
1. Let Yourself Feel It
A layoff isn’t just a professional setback; it’s personal, emotional, and for many of us, deeply triggering. It brings up every moment your efforts were not valued or fairly compensated, every time you felt overlooked, every fear about stability. Give yourself space to feel it—anger, sadness, relief, confusion, all of it. There’s no “strong Black Woman” mask needed here. This moment is yours to process.
Journaling your emotions can help you process your feelings.
Talk to someone you trust. Sometimes, saying it out loud takes away its power.
Remember, grief and frustration are natural reactions. You are not alone in this.
2. Secure the Essentials
There’s power in knowing your rights and options. In Canada, here’s what you need to do immediately:
- Apply for Employment Insurance (EI): If you’ve been working and paying into EI, you’re entitled to benefits. Apply ASAP because it takes time to process.
- Review Your Severance Package: If you got severance, ensure it aligns with labor laws. Consult a lawyer if you can (some offer free consultations). Don’t sign anything in panic.
- Check Your Benefits: Some jobs offer extended health benefits for a short time after layoffs. Book any final medical, dental, or therapy appointments while you’re covered.
- Budget Realistically: Cut unnecessary expenses and prioritize essentials. If money is tight, look into local food banks, community grants, or support groups—there’s no shame in using them.
Explore Emergency Assistance Programs: Some organizations provide financial relief for Black Women facing hardship. Research grants, hardship loans, and relief funds.
3. Protect Your Mental Health
Layoffs can mess with your confidence and self-worth. If your workplace made you feel like you were disposable, remind yourself: You are not the job. You are the talent, the strategy, the innovation.
- Get Therapy If You Can: There are Black therapists in Canada who understand what you’re going through. Many offer sliding-scale pricing or free sessions.
- Lean on Your People: You don’t have to go through this alone. Let trusted friends, family, or support groups be there for you.
- Affirm Yourself Daily: Keep a list of what you actually bring to the table. Read it every morning if you have to.
- Join a Black Women’s Career Support Group: Being in a community of people who understand your experience makes a difference.
4. Strategize Your Next Move
This is not the end. It’s a pivot.
- Network in Safe Spaces: Reach out to Black professionals, women’s business groups, or LinkedIn connections. People want to help.
- Consider Contract or Freelance Work: Short-term gigs can keep income flowing while you figure things out.
- Upskill, But Wisely: If you’re thinking about taking a course or getting a certification, make sure it actually helps your career goals. Don’t spend money on things that won’t increase your value.
- Revamp Your Resume & LinkedIn: Highlight achievements, skills, and projects. Employers are looking for talent like yours.
Look into Black-Owned Businesses Hiring: Many organizations prioritize hiring diverse candidates. Tap into these opportunities.
5. Remember Who You Are
Being laid off doesn’t erase your experience, skills, or impact. You were valuable before that job, and you’ll be valuable after. The corporate world wasn’t built for Black Women to succeed easily, but we’ve been thriving in spite of it for generations. This is not your whole story—it’s just one chapter.
- Create a Vision Board: Mapping out your next move visually can be empowering.
- Volunteer or Mentor: Giving back can help boost your confidence and expand your network.
- Read Inspiring Stories: Learning about other Black Women who have navigated layoffs successfully can keep you motivated.
If you know another Black Woman going through this, send this to her. Let’s hold each other up, because nobody else is going to do it for us.
We move forward. Always
Resources for Black Women in Canada Facing a Layoff
Losing a job can be a challenging experience, but there are resources specifically designed to support Black Women in Canada through career transitions. Whether you’re looking for financial aid, mental health support, or networking opportunities, here are some key resources to explore:
1. Employment Insurance (EI) Benefits
The Government of Canada provides Employment Insurance (EI) benefits to workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. These benefits can help you financially while you search for new opportunities. To qualify, you need to have worked a certain number of insurable hours and have a valid reason for job loss.
2. Black Professional Networks & Career Support
Connecting with Black-led professional networks can provide mentorship, job leads, and career development opportunities. Many organizations offer industry-specific support and resources tailored to Black professionals in Canada.
- Black Professionals in Tech Network (BPTN) – A networking and job platform for Black professionals in the tech industry.
- The Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) – Supports Black entrepreneurs and professionals through networking and business development resources.
- Afro Women and Youth Foundation – Focuses on empowering Black women and youth through career training and networking.
3. Mental Health Support for Black Women
Job loss can take a toll on mental health, and finding culturally competent support is crucial. There are several therapy directories and free helplines available for Black women in Canada:
- Black Mental Health Canada – A directory of Black therapists across Canada.
- The Velma Carter Centre – A community-led mental wellness space for Black women.
- TAIBU Community Health Centre – Provides culturally affirming mental health support for Black communities.
- Free Crisis Helplines:
4. Job Search & Resume Help
If you’re looking to re-enter the workforce, there are Black-led career coaching services that offer resume reviews, interview preparation, and job search assistance:
- HUE Career Consulting – Provides job search support tailored for Black professionals.
- Black Mentorship Inc. – Connects Black job seekers with industry mentors.
Dress for Success Canada – Offers career coaching and professional attire for women preparing for job interviews.
5. Emergency Financial Assistance
If you’re struggling to cover expenses after a layoff, there are community organizations that provide grants, food banks, and housing support:
- Black Opportunity Fund – Offers financial support for Black individuals and entrepreneurs.
- The Stop Community Food Centre – Provides emergency food assistance across various Canadian cities.
- YWCA Emergency Housing Programs – Supports women facing housing insecurity with shelter services.
Ontario Works & Social Assistance Programs – Provincial financial aid programs for those in need.
Love and power,
Velma Carter Centre