A wave of job cuts is making unemployment in the US tougher than ever: Here are 4 steps to stay on track professionally

A growing number of major companies in the US are announcing steep job cuts, making unemployment increasingly challenging for many workers. Amazon, UPS, General Motors and Paramount are among the organisations that have recently slashed positions, leaving thousands of employees seeking new income and benefits.Amazon stated on Tuesday that it would eliminate around 14,000 corporate positions, while the United Parcel Service, or UPS, said it had reduced its operational workforce by 34,000 jobs this year. General Motors laid off roughly 1,700 workers, and Paramount terminated 1,000 people. The Trump administration has also threatened to fire thousands of federal workers during the government shutdown, although courts have so far blocked these efforts, as reported by the CNBC.Navigating a challenging job market“Now is a particularly challenging time to be unemployed,” Michele Evermore, senior fellow at the National Academy of Social Insurance, quoted by the CNBC, said. Following a layoff, workers must determine how to supplement income, find new health insurance and maintain bill payments. The Bureau of Labor Statistics did not release its monthly jobs report in October due to the government shutdown, raising further concerns about the state of the employment market.

Some companies attribute the layoffs to shifts towards artificial intelligence or responses to President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, as reported by the CNBC. Closed federal agencies, the impending expiration of food assistance programmes, and reports of difficulty in securing new employment have compounded financial uncertainty for many Americans.Four steps to stay on track professionally1. Immediately file for unemployment: Despite the government shutdown that began on Oct. 1, states still access their unemployment trust funds to pay benefits, Andrew Stettner, director of economy and jobs at The Century Foundation, told the CNBC.

Evermore advised, “You should immediately file for unemployment insurance.” Applicants need pay records for the last 18 months, previous employer details, Social Security number, identification, and any documentation from their last employer.

Benefits vary by state, with California offering a maximum weekly payment of $450, and Florida $275. Most states provide 26 weeks of benefits, although some offer just 12 weeks, as quoted by the CNBC.2. Find new health insurance: Losing a job often ends employer-provided health coverage. Christine Eibner, senior economist at Rand Corporation, said in conversation with the CNBC, workers should check when their current insurance expires. Options include COBRA continuation, spouse’s plans, ACA Marketplace coverage, or Medicaid. COBRA can be costly, but ensures uninterrupted coverage, lasting 18 to 36 months.

ACA Marketplace enrolment opens on Nov.

1 for 2026, and subsidies may revert to pre-COVID levels.3. Check workplace retirement accounts: Employees must decide what to do with employer retirement accounts. Dana Levit, certified financial planner at Paragon Financial Advisors, explained to the CNBC that funds can remain in the account, be transferred to a new employer plan or an IRA, or cashed out with tax penalties.

401(k) loans may also require repayment upon termination.4. Manage student loans and other debt: Income-driven repayment plans and Unemployment Deferment are options for federal student loans, Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst at Bankrate, quoted by the CNBC. Lenders often offer temporary hardship programs to skip or adjust payments. Maintaining at least minimum payments helps prevent collections and credit issues.Following these steps can help newly unemployed Americans stabilise finances and maintain professional momentum during a period of uncertainty.