Laid Off in Medical Sales? Here’s Your Step-by-Step Comeback Plan
When a layoff hits, it’s like the ground shifts beneath you. The shock, the uncertainty, and the sting of rejection can be overwhelming. Getting laid off is one of life’s unexpected and often jarring challenges. It doesn’t just impact your finances—it shakes your sense of security, identity, and even self-worth. If you’re in medical sales, where performance often feels tied to your value, it’s easy to internalize the loss.
However, let me emphasize something important: this isn’t your fault. I witnessed it firsthand—growing up, I observed my mother, a sales manager in the pharmaceutical industry, deal with the unpredictability of layoffs that always seemed to strike during the holiday season. Later, during my time as a Senior Region Manager in aesthetic sales, I faced this reality even more profoundly. I lost half of my team in a single day because of company-wide layoffs, and on another occasion, team members were laid off while I was on maternity leave. These layoffs didn’t happen because of their efforts or abilities. They were driven by larger business decisions—mergers, leadership transitions, territorial adjustments, or economic shifts—circumstances entirely beyond their control. It’s a difficult truth, yet realizing it is not personal is the initial step toward progress forward.
The emotions you’re feeling now—anger, disbelief, sadness—are valid. They align with the five stages of grief described by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, a renowned psychiatrist who developed the concept to help people understand the emotional journey of loss. While initially used to describe the grieving process for death, these stages—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—apply to many forms of loss, including layoffs. Understanding these stages can help you process your feelings, regain control, and develop a plan to bounce back stronger.
The Five Stages of Grief After a Layoff
1. Denial
“This can’t be happening to me.”
Denial often comes first, with the shock of the news making it hard to accept reality. You might replay the layoff conversation in your mind, struggling to believe it’s real.
Action Step: Take a moment to breathe—literally. When stress hits, your brain’s fight-or-flight response can hijack your ability to think clearly, making it harder to process what’s happening. A powerful way to regain control is using the 4 Box Breathing Technique, a method practiced by Navy SEALs to stay calm under intense pressure. Here’s how it works:
Inhale deeply through your nose for 4 seconds.
Hold the breath for 4 seconds.
Exhale slowly through your mouth for 4 seconds.
Hold your breath again for 4 seconds.
Repeat this cycle four times. This technique helps regulate your nervous system by slowing your heart rate and reducing the release of stress hormones like cortisol. It also increases oxygen flow to your brain, improving focus and clarity.
Once you feel grounded, write down what happened. Putting the situation into words can help you process it and shift your energy toward what’s next. This simple act is the first step toward regaining a sense of control and direction.
2. Anger
“Why me? This isn’t fair!”
Anger often follows closely behind denial, bubbling up as frustration or resentment. It might be directed at your employer, human resources, colleagues, or even yourself. While this is a natural emotional response, staying in the anger phase can be counterproductive. It clouds your judgment, drains your energy, and may lead to impulsive actions—like venting publicly or lashing out at others—that you later regret. Instead of moving forward, anger keeps you stuck in a cycle of blame that ultimately hinders your progress. Anger keeps your brain in a heightened state of stress, increasing cortisol levels and impairing rational decision-making, according to research published in Frontiers in Psychology. To move forward, it’s crucial to manage this emotion effectively.
Action Step:
Journal Your Thoughts: Writing down your feelings helps you organize them and gain perspective. A 2021 study in Emotion found that expressive writing can significantly reduce emotional distress by creating psychological distance from the problem. Reflect on what triggered your anger and whether it’s within your control.
Exercise to Release Tension: Physical activity releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators, and reduces cortisol levels. Research from the Mayo Clinic confirms that exercise improves mood and reduces the intensity of negative emotions like anger. Activities like running, yoga, or even a brisk walk can help channel frustration into movement.
Talk to Someone You Trust: Sharing your feelings with a supportive person can help you feel validated and reduce the intensity of your anger. According to a Social Science & Medicine study, social support plays a critical role in emotional regulation and stress relief.
Most importantly, avoid burning bridges by venting publicly or blaming others. If you need to share your experience, do so privately and constructively. Anger is a normal response, but using these science-backed strategies to channel it productively will help you move toward acceptance and meaningful action.
3. Bargaining
“If only I had worked harder…”
In this stage, you might wish things had gone differently, overanalyze past decisions, or question your worth. These thoughts are normal, but it is essential not to let them take over. Dwelling on what can’t be changed keeps you stuck, while reflection can help you uncover valuable lessons that will serve you in the future.
Action Step: Reflect, but don’t dwell. Use this phase to identify lessons learned without blaming yourself or others. Layoffs are often the result of business decisions like restructuring, mergers, or budget cuts and rarely reflect your worth or performance.
Take out a notebook or open a document, and ask yourself:
What did I learn from this role?
What skills did I strengthen that I can highlight moving forward?
How did I overcome challenges in the past, and how can I apply that resilience now?
Writing this down doesn’t just help you process your emotions—it prepares you for future interviews. Employers often ask how candidates handle adversity or approach challenges. By reflecting on and articulating what you’ve learned, you’ll be ready to share thoughtful, concrete examples of your problem-solving and growth. For instance, you might say:
"After experiencing a company-wide layoff, I took time to reflect on my contributions and identify areas where I grew professionally. One key takeaway was the importance of adaptability, which I’ve since applied in [specific situation]."
By framing the layoff as a learning experience, you’ll gain perspective and turn a difficult moment into a compelling narrative. This will demonstrate your resilience and readiness to add value to your next role.
4. Depression
“What am I going to do now?”
As the reality of a layoff sets in, it’s natural to feel a wave of sadness and uncertainty. You might feel a sense of loss or question your path, and that’s okay. These emotions are part of the process but don’t have to define this chapter of your life. Instead of viewing this stage as a setback, consider it an unexpected pause that gives you a rare chance to step back, rediscover yourself, and invest in habits that truly support your well-being. Sometimes, in the quiet of these moments, you’ll find clarity and resilience you didn’t realize you had.
Action Step: Prioritize your mental health and create a foundation for resilience by incorporating activities that lift your mood and support your overall well-being:
Establish a routine: Structure brings a sense of stability and purpose. Start with small, manageable goals, such as waking up at the same time each day, exercising, or dedicating time to job search tasks. Research from the Journal of Affective Disorders shows that routines can reduce anxiety and depression by providing a sense of predictability.
Find a hobby: Engaging in a creative activity can help you enter a state of flow, a mental state in which you’re fully immersed and lose track of time. Activities like painting, cooking, gardening, or playing music stimulate your brain, providing a sense of accomplishment and joy. Research published in the Journal of Positive Psychology shows that flow states are linked to increased happiness, reduced stress, and improved cognitive functioning.
Seek support if needed: Talking to a counselor, career coach, or trusted friend can help you process emotions and gain perspective. Therapists and career coaches can offer tools to navigate this transition period and help you create a clear path forward.
This is a time to take care of yourself—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Incorporating these practices can help you move through sadness and uncertainty with greater strength and clarity, preparing you to tackle the next chapter with renewed energy.
5. Acceptance
“It happened. Now, what’s next?”
Acceptance is the turning point where you start to see the layoff as an opportunity rather than a loss. Once you’ve processed your emotions, it’s time to shift into action. Taking concrete steps toward your next opportunity will rebuild your confidence and position you for success in today’s competitive job market. As a career coach, I’ve worked with countless clients to refine their résumés and LinkedIn profiles to stand out, attract recruiters, and land interviews. Let’s focus on two critical tools for your job search:
Actionable Steps to Rebuild and Move Forward
1. Update Your Résumé and LinkedIn Profile
Your résumé and LinkedIn are your first impression—make them count.
Tailor your résumé: Highlight your accomplishments with measurable results. Use metrics like revenue growth, client acquisition rates, or efficiency improvements. Additionally, optimize your résumé for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) by incorporating industry-specific keywords like "medical device sales," “business acumen,” "territory management," or "relationship building."
Build a comprehensive LinkedIn profile: Recruiters and hiring managers frequently search LinkedIn to find top candidates. Here’s how to ensure your profile grabs attention:
Craft a customized headline: Your LinkedIn headline is one of the most critical parts of your profile. With up to 220 characters available, you have plenty of space to communicate what you do clearly, the value you bring, and relevant keywords for your target positions. By crafting a headline highlighting your skills and aligning with the roles you’re pursuing, you’ll make a strong first impression and improve your chances of appearing in recruiter searches.
Optimize your “About” section: The “About” section on LinkedIn gives you up to 2,600 characters to showcase your professional story, so use this space strategically. Share a compelling narrative highlighting your expertise, career achievements, and what sets you apart while weaving in relevant keywords for the roles you’re targeting. Include quantifiable achievements, like exceeding quotas or spearheading successful product launches. End with a personable touch about what motivates you in your career and what you’re looking for in your next role.
Detail your professional experience: Highlight key achievements in a results-focused manner.
Strengthen your skills section: Your LinkedIn skills section is a powerful tool for boosting your profile’s visibility and aligning with the roles you’re targeting. You can list up to 100 skills, so include a mix of broad and specialized terms relevant to your industry.
Incorporate keywords: Think about terms recruiters are searching for in your industry and weave them naturally into your profile.
A polished résumé and LinkedIn profile are not merely documents; they are strategic tools designed to showcase your unique value and unlock the doors to your next opportunity.
2. Leverage Your Network
Your network is one of your greatest assets during a job search. According to LinkedIn, 85% of jobs are filled via networking. Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and industry peers. Share your goals and ask if they know of any opportunities.
3. Start Networking with Recruiters
Recruiters are on the front lines of hiring. Establishing relationships with them can give you access to unposted opportunities.
• Use LinkedIn to find recruiters who specialize in your industry.
• Send a brief, polite message introducing yourself and attaching your résumé.
4. Practice Interviewing
Preparation is key to regaining confidence and making a strong impression in interviews.
• Research common questions: Be ready to address your layoff honestly and positively. For example, “The company had to make tough financial decisions, but it’s allowed me to focus on what’s next.”
• Conduct mock interviews with a career coach or mentor.
• Practice answering questions about your achievements and how you can add value to a new company.
A layoff can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a chance to reset, reflect, and realign your career goals. What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to achieve in your career but haven’t pursued yet? Could now be the time to take that leap?
Your next role is out there, and with the right mindset, strategies, and support, you’ll find it. Keep moving forward—one step at a time.
Learn more about Danielle's Career Coaching services: Click Here
Meet 🌟 Danielle Cobo, CVP
Danielle doesn't just talk about medical and aesthetic sales; that's how she made a living. As a Fortune 500 Senior Medical Sales Manager, Danielle led a historically poor-performing team to #1 despite downsizing, restructuring, and acquisitions. Her commendable leadership earned her the prestigious title of Region Manager of the Year. Her resiliency motivated her to earn four consecutive national Sales Excellence Awards for top performance in a male-dominated industry.
With over 15 years of corporate experience in the medical tech and bio-pharmaceutical industry, she knows how to build high-performing teams that increase sales, productivity, and employee retention. Her expertise includes sales, leadership, and career planning. Through keynote speeches, sales boot camps, and one-on-one coaching, she has taught thousands of people how to achieve their career goals with unstoppable grit.
Danielle is the best-selling author of Unstoppable Grit: Break Through the 7 Roadblocks Standing Between You and Achieving Your Goals and hosts the globally top-rated podcast, Unstoppable Grit Podcast with Danielle Cobo.
Danielle has a Bachelor’s in Communication with a minor in Psychology from the California State University of Fullerton. She is certified in the Precise Selling Model, DiSC Behavior Model, and Inclusive and Ethical Leadership from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business.
She has completed training in Situational Leadership, Emotional Intelligence 2.0, Crucial Conversations, PowerPerformance Coaching, Boston Breakthrough Leadership, Insight Colors, Outward Mindset, Time Management for Effective Leaders, Emerging Leadership Development Program, and Challenger Sales Model.
Danielle is a member of the National Speaker Association, a former Training Advisor for the Military Spouse Economic Empowerment Zone Committee, and a Career Transition Advisor for the Dallas Professional Women.
When her husband, a Blackhawk pilot in the Army, was deployed in Iraq for a year, Danielle learned to balance a demanding job while keeping up with her dynamic duo of 1.5-year-old twin boys, who possess more energy than a squirrel after a triple espresso.
Today, she channels her expertise into her passionate mission: igniting transformation in others and helping them develop the grit and resilience to succeed professionally and personally.
From a 7-year-old entrepreneur to a two-time 3-day 60-mile walker—Danielle Cobo defines relentless ambition.
Learn more about Danielle's speaking, training, and career coaching services: Click Here
