Anxiety post layoffs - how to move forward?

Got laid off about a month ago (company layoffs - not performance based) and have been struggling with anxiety.

I've been trying to do everything that I can to find a job (cold emailing, networking, coffee chats, working with recruiters, applying to jobs super quickly, etc) but haven't had much luck. I didn't go to a target school so don't have a super great network. Plus I'm a first year and most places with openings want at least a year of experience. It's been really hard, and I keep having panic attacks. I'm trying to treat my body right but still can't stop them. I've been staying active (cardio, working out, yoga) and eating pretty well.

Has anyone been in a similar position? If so, how did you move forward? How do you cope with the anxiety and uncertainty?

Really appreciate any guidance

7 Comments
 

Hiring markets are likely going to pick up in the next few quarters. Dealflow is stronger and teams are short staffed, so when more people begin quitting in the spring and summer after bonuses, there will be a large number of openings at basically every group. Stay positive mate

 
Most Helpful

I feel you. It’s very hard when this kind of thing happens and not seeing an end to it. As someone said above, it would be wise to see a professional and maybe see if you’re still entitled to this via your old company.

In the event this does contribute to your anxiety, have a clear understanding of your personal financial situation and strip back spending where possible. But keep things like gym membership, dental care and food allowance, as they’ll be key in keeping yourself healthy. I’d also recommend making sure you’ve invested in a good workspace as you’ll be spending a large chunk of your time applying, preparing for applications and doing calls.

Good thing about this is most firms are laying people off so it shouldn’t be too hard to explain to recruiters and they’d be more receptive in these times.

If I were you, I’d sit and reflect on what other areas you can possibly tap into (VC, FP&A, in-house m&a, corp banking, strategy, internship level roles, etc.) or IB offices in T2/3 cities that would allow you to pivot back into IB in the city when the market picks back up. Additionally, look into any qualifications that you can gain during your time off. At this stage of your career, it’s really about getting the experience and credibility on your CV.

As someone mentioned above too, happy to help if you’re London / UK-based.

Don’t forget to lean on friends and family too, as well as anything else that will help keep your mental and physical health in good shape. You’re doing a good job by exercising still. Look into volunteering to make sure you’re still socialising, whether that’s mentoring those from non-targets or some other charity work.

You’re not the first or the last to go through this. You got this OP, hang in there.

 

Modi natus saepe fuga omnis et. Praesentium illo quasi ratione laboriosam aspernatur distinctio et ipsum. Corporis deleniti facere et sit eos.

Cum velit ipsam accusamus. Et est ea voluptas id autem odit eum. Ducimus incidunt dignissimos in. Ut est quaerat natus. Ducimus sed et deleniti. Laborum ex id facilis quam quaerat iusto repellat.

Minima velit rerum doloribus nobis optio laudantium perferendis magnam. Doloribus et consequatur et hic culpa voluptatem. Recusandae dignissimos a assumenda et. Voluptatem eveniet et aperiam nesciunt placeat aut pariatur adipisci. Rem quisquam qui et nam ab non quibusdam.

Reprehenderit consequatur minus dolorem corrupti. Aut deleniti consequatur numquam cum deleniti tempore et aliquid. Ut dolores quos numquam quos culpa quis. Asperiores dolorum qui et reiciendis optio.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (23) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (82) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”