Got laid off from a DFW tech company last year. Here's the playbook I wish I had on day one.
First 48 hours:
- Don't sign anything immediately. Severance agreements typically give you 21 days to review (40+ if you're over 40 — ADEA requirement). Take the time.
- File for Texas unemployment. Do it DAY ONE at twc.texas.gov. DFW processing times: 2-4 weeks. Max benefit: $577/week for 26 weeks.
- COBRA vs. Marketplace. COBRA continues your employer plan but YOU pay full premium (employer portion too). Average COBRA in DFW: $600-900/month. Marketplace alternative: $350-500/month. Job loss is a qualifying life event — you get a 60-day special enrollment.
- Update LinkedIn IMMEDIATELY. Turn on "Open to Work" (visible to recruiters only). DFW recruiters are active on LinkedIn.
Week 1-2: 5. Negotiate severance. Everything is negotiable: length of pay, COBRA coverage period, outplacement services, equity vesting. If they laid off 100+ people, they MUST give 60 days notice (WARN Act) — or pay in lieu. 6. Cut expenses now. Cancel subscriptions, pause retirement contributions if cash is tight, negotiate bills. 7. Register with DFW staffing agencies: Robert Half, Hays, Kforce, TEKsystems. They place DFW roles fast.
Week 2-4: 8. Activate your network. Email 20 people: "I was recently laid off from [company]. I'm looking for [role type] in DFW. Any connections or leads would be appreciated." Direct and specific beats vague. 9. Apply strategically. Quality > quantity. 5 targeted applications/day beats 50 spray-and-pray. 10. Consider contract work. DFW contract market pays $50-100/hour for tech roles. Bridges the gap.
DFW-specific resources:
- Texas Workforce Commission: twc.texas.gov (unemployment + job search)
- Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas: free resume workshops, job fairs
- DEC (Dallas Entrepreneur Center): networking events
- Re:work DFW: nonprofit helping displaced workers
Sources:
- Texas Workforce Commission — unemployment benefits guide
- COBRA — federal continuation coverage rules
- Healthcare.gov — special enrollment periods
- WARN Act — mass layoff notification requirements
- BLS — DFW unemployment duration statistics