Survivor Syndrome: 3 Steps for Keeping Your Career on Track After Layoffs
Part of our Leadership Transitions Series, exploring how leaders navigate uncertainty, rebuild momentum, and stay intentional through career transitions.
Maria stared at her screen. Familiar names now missing from the company directory. Jason's desk sat empty. She felt relieved to still have her job—but that relief quickly turned to guilt. "Why him and not me?" Then came the panic: How would her team hit their targets with fewer people? Was she next?
I recently explored this in BioSpace, where I write regularly about the realities of leadership in biopharma. The piece unpacks what survivor syndrome really is, why it drives even strong performers to look for other jobs, and three practical steps to regain control—whether you're an individual contributor trying to stay grounded or a manager trying to steady your team.
Here's the full article, originally published in BioSpace: 👉 Survivor Syndrome: 3 Steps for Keeping Your Career on Track After Layoffs
Key Takeaways:
Why trust drops 13.5% after layoffs—and why that matters for retention
How to separate fear from facts when uncertainty is high
The difference between dealing with today and worrying about tomorrow
Why the people who lean in during layoffs often emerge stronger
Reflection Questions for Readers:
If your team has gone through layoffs, what has really changed—and what hasn't?
Are you dealing with today's reality, or stuck worrying about tomorrow's unknowns?
What opportunity might be hidden in the current uncertainty?
More from the Leadership Transitions series:
