Made Redundant? Here's What to Do Next.

​If you've recently been let go, or you're watching colleagues pack up their desks and wondering if you're next, you are not alone. Over the last few years, we have seen layoffs sweep through our sectors: media, PR, advertising, events, AdTech and creative industries across the region. Agencies have restructured, budgets have been slashed, and even the most well-regarded teams have not been spared.

We work in these industries every day, placing people across events, communications, marketing, AdTech and B2B media. We've had more conversations than usual lately with talented, experienced professionals who are suddenly navigating redundancy, often for the first time. So we wanted to put something out there for anyone going through it right now.

This isn't a listicle of generic job search tips. It's what we'd actually tell a friend.

First, let yourself feel it

A layoff can feel deeply personal even when you know, rationally, that it wasn't about your performance. Budget cuts, client losses, restructures, and market pullbacks are business decisions, not a verdict on your worth or your work. Give yourself permission to feel frustrated, sad, angry or numb before you jump into "fix it" mode. Most people in our industries are wired to move fast and solve problems, but this is one of those moments where a bit of space helps more than a rushed reaction.

Get practical, but don't rush

Once the initial shock settles, there are a few sensible first steps.

• Understand your severance, notice period and any outstanding entitlements, including leave and bonuses.

• Check what happens to your visa or work pass if you're on employment sponsorship, and note any deadlines.

• Update your CV and LinkedIn while your recent projects and results are still fresh in your mind.

• Ask for a reference or a LinkedIn recommendation from a manager or client while the relationship is still warm.

There's no need to have your next move figured out in week one. A rushed decision made from panic is rarely the right one.

Talk to people, even when it feels uncomfortable

One of the most common mistakes we see is people going quiet during a job search, when the opposite tends to work better. Reaching out to former colleagues, clients and managers isn't a sign of weakness or desperation. It's how most roles in our industries actually get filled, particularly in tight-knit markets like Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia where reputations travel fast and referrals carry real weight.

A short, honest message goes a long way: let people know you've been impacted, what kind of role you're looking for, and that you'd appreciate being kept in mind. Most people are glad to help when asked directly.

Lean on recruiters, but choose wisely

A good recruiter should do more than forward your CV to open roles. They should understand your niche, know which companies are actually hiring versus which ones are freezing headcount, and be honest with you about market conditions, even when that means telling you something you don't want to hear.

If you work in events, PR, communications, marketing, AdTech or B2B media and sales, this is the world we live in every day. We're always happy to have a conversation, even if it's simply to talk through the market and where the opportunities currently sit.

Watch for the industries and roles still hiring

Layoffs rarely hit every corner of a sector evenly. Even during a downturn, certain functions tend to hold up, including:

• Performance and affiliate marketing, where ROI is easy to prove

• Specialist AdTech and programmatic roles as budgets shift toward measurable channels

• Senior communications and PR professionals who can manage reputation through uncertainty

• Event roles tied to major recurring conferences and trade shows that clients are reluctant to cut

• B2B sales talent who can demonstrably bring in revenue

Being open to adjacent roles, different company sizes, or markets you hadn't previously considered can open doors faster than waiting for the exact same title to reappear.

Protect your headspace

A job search can take longer than it used to, and that's not a reflection of your ability. Set a rough routine, keep some structure in your days, and try not to let your self-worth become tied to how quickly you land something. Stay visible on LinkedIn, keep learning, and stay connected to your industry community. The people who land well tend to be the ones who kept showing up, even quietly, during the gap.

You will land on your feet

We've seen it play out again and again. The professionals who've been through a layoff almost always come out the other side, often in a role that's a better fit than the one they lost. It rarely feels that way in the moment, but the industries we work in are small, relationship-driven, and full of people who remember good work and good character.

If you've recently been affected by a layoff in media, marketing, advertising, events or the creative industries, we'd genuinely like to hear from you. Reach out to the Aspire team for a confidential conversation about the market and where you might fit next.