The Layoff Library

A long list of resources for anyone going freelance after a layoff

Author

Kaitlyn Arford
April 07, 2026

If you have been laid off and are looking to jump into freelancing, start with these resources. And apply for a subscription as a laid-off journalist or a person from a traditionally marginalized community.

Can you do me a favor and leave advice for laid-off workers going freelance in the comment section of this post?

— Kaitlyn

Newsletters to Subscribe to Immediately

Laid Off is a new newsletter chronicling people’s laid-off experiences. If you’re looking for a way to feel less alone, this is a good place to start.

A list of jobs in the sports industry, including US-based and remote positions.

Sports Jobs

A list of jobs in the sports industry, curated by Olivia Witherite, who is focused on creating more lanes for diverse hires. Monday publications.

Grants for Creators is a monthly newsletter curating US-based grants and resources for small business owners.

Michelle Jackson rounds up information for new creators, podcasters, and writers through the Creators Getting Paid newsletter

Jessica shares a list of new writing opportunities every Friday and has a bunch of resources on getting started as a writer.

Yulia’s Going Places publication includes lists of opportunities for travel creators and journalists. It’s a great place to start if being laid off makes you want to become a digital nomad!

Former NYT editor shares all kinds of helpful tips about pitching stories

Learn how to run your own business

The Institute for Independent Journalists does a great deal to support any reporter working on their own. Conferences, events, and weekly newsletters with resources to support your career.

Chennel breaks down the growth strategies independent creators have used to build their own businesses.

Project C explores the business of independent journalism. If you’re interested in being an independent journalist, you should subscribe (or become a member like me!).

I look forward to this newsletter every week! Creator Spotlight explores the careers of different people who built independent businesses.

Lex Roman is a fantastic resource for anyone wanting to build an independent career and make money through your own projects.

Lots of helpful tips on monetizing and growing a newsletter.

Malanie Padgett Powers has been a freelancer for a long time and I trust her advice and knowledge about crafting a long-lasting business.

Jay Clouse’s Creator Science is the perfect place to start if you are interested at all in turning your content into a scalable business.

Regular career paths are a thing of the past. Your career path is fluid, so it’s worth understanding how you can follow your own path.

Your greatest asset in understanding how newsletters operate. If you’re interested at all in creating and growing a newsletter, you absolutely have to subscribe.

Job Hunting Resources

Check these roundups of job boards as you look for work.

I also run The Romancelandia Job Board, where I compile full-time and freelance jobs in publishing and working with romance authors.

Truly no better job board for finding video work. It’s not just video editing and production jobs, I often see scriptwriting opportunities too.

Always a bunch of creative jobs, including full-time and part-time.

Creator Economy Jobs tracks jobs around the world in the creator economy.

This job board from The Publish Press compiles full- and part-time jobs in the creator economy.

Jobspresso tracks remote jobs across marketing, design, engineering, and more.

Dynamite Jobs has opportunities from remote-first companies.

Remote.co has remote accounting, bookkeeping, editing, data entry, marketing, and social media jobs.

Layoff Resources

A ton of journalism-related resources for laid-off journalists

The 8 Ball Emergency Fund for Journalists helps Southern California-based journalists and photojournalists in need of temporary financial help.

Layoffs.fyi has been tracking layoffs since 2020. Add your information to the list or use the site for intell as you look for new jobs.

Six professionals from The Institute for Independent Journalists and The Association of Independents in Radio talked about how to weather layoffs.

From the Writer’s Co-op, this layoff survival guide covers putting together a business plan, tracking potential clients, and pitching.

The Education Writers Association put together a webinar planning out the next steps after a journalism layoff.

Matthew Knight is a UK-based freelance strategist. His guide includes a lot of UK-based resources but is applicable to anyone.

Created by Katherine Reynolds Lewis, the founder of the Institute for Independent Journalists, this comprehensive guide goes over marketing, time management, contracts, business structure, niches and rates.

Associations & Communities

This Facebook community is for laid-off journalists and journalists planning their next career.

Freelancing Females started as a Facebook group, but has grown into a resource featuring a job board, newsletter, and as a helpful introduction to working for yourself.

AIR connects radio and podcasting professionals. AIR offers live classes, mentorships, and resources for freelancers, including an Opportunities Board.

FLX is a community for freelance content creators who are building their own businesses. If you’re a self-employed journalist, it’s a good place to be.

TOFU is a community for SEO pros and marketers featuring conversations about freelancing.

If you’re interested in working in the outdoor industry, Basecamp is the place to be.

A group created by Jennifer Goforth Gregory with freelancers in the marketing, writing, and journalism spaces to talk about freelancing.

This Facebook group shares paid jobs and freelance opportunities with women.

Get your finances in order

If you only do one thing from this list, make it applying for an EIN.

1. File for unemployment

Find your state’s unemployment office and look into your unemployment benefits.

2. Apply for an Employer Identification Number

If you're US-based, apply for an Employer Identification Number. An Employer Identification Number replaces your Social Security Number, so you don't have to share your SSN with a client. You never have to pay for an EIN and the process is immediate.

3. Start looking for freelance and temporary work

Obviously, this newsletter is a fantastic resource for finding freelance clients, but it take a minute to get your first assignment, invoice your client, and get paid.

I also recommend looking at substitute teaching, part-time jobs, and other gig work in the meantime.

5. Roll over your 401(k)

A 401(k) is an important asset worth protecting!

6. Find a healthcare alternative

Look at what the Healthcare Marketplace offers in your state and see if you qualify for COBRA health insurance.

7. Look for additional benefits

It’s worth looking into what financial benefits are available in your state! Use this finder.

What’s something that helped you after a layoff?

Please add your advice in the comment section of this post!

How do you feel about today's edition?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Reply

or to participate.