So, You Got Laid Off. Now What? (A Guide for the Omnicom/IPG Fallout)

The Quick Answer:

Core Question: What are the most critical first steps to take immediately after being laid off?

Direct Answer: Do not panic-apply or post an angry rant. Treat the layoff as a business event, not a personal failure. Secure your financials (severance/EI), craft a clear "exit narrative" that removes the stigma, and activate your weak ties for networking rather than cold-applying to job boards.

Key Takeaways:

• Take the "24-Hour Pause": Emotions are high. Do not post on social media or sign any separation agreements until you have cooled down and reviewed them calmly.

• Control the Narrative: You weren't "fired"; you were part of a "strategic consolidation." Frame your exit as a result of market forces (like the Omnicom/IPG merger) to preserve your professional confidence.

• Audit Your Runway: Immediately calculate exactly how many months of cash you have. This dictates whether you need a "bridge job" or can hold out for the right career move.

Yesterday, the hammer dropped.

The Omnicom acquisition of IPG is complete, and the fallout is exactly what we feared: 4,000+ jobs cut and the "sunsetting" of legendary agency brands like DDB, FCB, and MullenLowe.

If you were caught in this blast radius—or any of the other massive restructuring waves hitting the market—you are likely oscillating between shock, anger, and terror.

First, take a breath. Second, understand this: This is not a reflection of your talent. This is math.

When two giants merge to chase $750 million in "synergies," excellent people get cut simply because their role was a duplicate on a spreadsheet. You didn't fail. The board just decided to reorganize the deck chairs.

But knowing that doesn't pay the mortgage. Here is your triage plan for the next 72 hours and beyond.

Phase 1: The Triage (Days 1-3)

1. The 24-Hour "No Social" Rule The urge to go on LinkedIn and post a heartfelt (or angry) "Open to Work" manifesto is strong. Don't. You are emotional. Anything you write now will smell of desperation or bitterness. You want your first public appearance to be calm, confident, and strategic. Go for a walk. Scream into a pillow. Do not open LinkedIn.

2. Don't Sign Anything Yet HR will pressure you to sign the separation agreement immediately to get your severance. Don't. You almost always have a review period (often 7-21 days). Take the paperwork home. Read the non-compete clauses carefully. If you are a senior leader, negotiate. Can they extend health coverage? Can they accelerate vesting?

3. Secure the "files" If you still have access, get the contact info for the clients and colleagues you want to keep (respecting your NDA, of course). Once the laptop shuts, those connections are gone.

Phase 2: The Narrative (Week 1)

4. Craft Your Exit Story When people ask "What happened?", your answer matters.

• Weak answer: "They laid me off." (Implies you were the problem).

• Strong answer: "My role was impacted by the post-merger consolidation of the creative networks. It’s tough to close this chapter, but I’m excited to finally look at [X] opportunities."

This frames you as a casualty of high-level strategy, not low-level performance.

5. The Financial Audit Look at your savings and your severance. Calculate your "Burn Rate." How many months can you survive without a paycheck?

• 6+ Months: You have the luxury of patience. You can network for the right job.

• <3 Months: You may need to lower your sights or take contract work immediately to extend your runway. Be honest with yourself here.

Phase 3: The Activation (Week 2+)

6. Activate "Weak Ties" Your best friends know you're looking, but they likely know the same people you do. The data shows that most jobs come from "weak ties"—former colleagues, people you met at a conference three years ago, or college alumni. Reach out with a personal note: "I’m part of the Omnicom/IPG changes and taking a few weeks to explore what’s next. I’d love to buy you a coffee and hear your perspective on the market."

7. Don't Just "Apply" Applying to cold job postings is soul-crushing and low-yield. Spend 80% of your time networking and 20% applying. You want to be the referral, not the resume in the pile.

This sucks. There is no sugarcoating it. But you are more than your job title, and certainly more than a line item on a merger spreadsheet.

Mourn the loss. Then, get back to work on the most important client you’ll ever have: You.