16,000 more Amazonians were laid off this week, and odds are, many of you reading this know someone who has been impacted in the past few rounds. Three months ago, I wrote a post that, in hindsight, was more about mindset. Today, I want to offer something more tactical, because the only way to start feeling in control again… is to move. When you’re leaving a solid system, the first step is building one of your own.

If you know someone who was affected, please share this article with them. And if you were lucky enough to remain untouched, take this as a reminder: everything below can be applied proactively (and it actually works even better that way).

Tip of the Week: Control comes from motion. If you want to feel like yourself again, start taking action on your own terms... even if it’s just for 30 minutes a day.

Side Note: People need support around building systems. That’s why I created the Effective Workload Management Systems course - a proven framework to help you take back control of your time, your inbox, and your priorities. It’s been tested and refined with input from over 70,000 Amazonians, and it’s helped thousands finally get to inbox zero (and stay there). If you’re serious about creating systems... start there.

The Theory Behind

To feel in control, you need a system. When we lose our jobs, we don’t just lose income, we lose structure, feedback loops, and part of our identity. Psychologists refer to this as a loss of role identity. Without it, we often feel directionless. But waiting for clarity is a trap. As researchers like Herminia Ibarra argues in Working Identity, action leads to insight, not the other way around. Systems provide movement when motivation is low and purpose feels uncertain.

Applying for jobs is like marketing a product (you). Borrowing from positioning theory and basic product strategy: you are the product. This means identifying your unique value proposition, targeting the right audience, and telling a story that sticks. Treating your job search like a go-to-market plan (complete with testing, feedback, and iteration) creates more leverage than cold-applying into a void. In other words, please don't start sending mass generic message to all your contacts.

Momentum is a muscle. Like many experts argue: motivation follows action. In traditional roles, your calendar is pre-loaded with external accountability. After a layoff, that vanishes, so your new system must manufacture momentum. Small consistent actions (messages sent, ideas shared, time blocked) build back not just progress, but identity. Set goals to achieve those daily.

What I’ve Learned

Rebuilding structure is your first job now. When I’ve lost structure in the past (either by choice or not) the lack of structure hit harder than I expected. The solution I found involved blocked time for outreach, reflection, and energy-boosting projects. It also helped when I found groups of people doing the same. I set 90-minute timers and followed through, even when it felt forced. If you’re in the middle of a layoff, the best thing you can do isn’t to just plan, but to schedule, involve others that can hold you remain accountable... and keep moving.

Make It Happen

1. Block Your Calendar Like It’s a Job. Choose your “working hours,” even part-time. Time-block job search, reflection, networking, and rest. Make it visual. Empty calendars drain energy.

2. Start a Personal CRM. Use Notion, Airtable, or a spreadsheet to track your outreach. Add columns for who, when, what was said, and when to follow up. Tag people by industry, company, or signal strength.

3. Follow the 3-Message Rule. Each week, message 3 people: former coworkers, peers, second-degree connections. Don’t ask for a job, ask smart questions. Reconnect. Learn.

4. Define and Rank Your Job Criteria. Write down what matters to you now: team culture, learning curve, remote options, mission. Rank them. Use this as a filter, and share them (and how they fit with certain roles/companies) with those you reach out to.

5. Craft Your Career Story. Write one sentence: “I help X do Y by Z.” Refine it. Use it in intros, coffee chats, and cover letters. It’s your anchor for clarity and confidence.

6. Set Weekly Output Targets. What does “playing offense” look like this week? Maybe it’s 2 applications, 1 portfolio update, 3 emails sent. Keep it action-focused and achievable.

7. Join a Community. There are Slack groups, WhatsApp pods, and peer-led circles for laid-off professionals. Join one. Share goals. Use external accountability as structure. I saw people liking this one recently.

You’ve got time, just don’t let time have you. It’s your play to call now.

Offensively,

Jorge Luis Pando

Say hi 👋 on LinkedIn or YouTube

PS: Wow, you made it all the way down here? You must really care about your personal development! Here are 3 ways I can help you grow even faster:

1. Get My Most Popular Course: Learn the exact system I’ve taught to 70,000+ professionals to take control of emails, meetings, and DMs, and reclaim 150+ hours in your year.

2. Join The Effective Collective: Our private membership is opening soon as invite-only. Get access to two best-seller courses, weekly coaching, and support to level up your performance without burning out.

3. Book Me for Coaching or a Workshop: Need help scaling yourself or your team? I offer 1:1 coaching and custom team sessions to help you work better, not harder.

Enjoying what you’re reading? Help a friend out… and you will win something for yourself too.