This story was originally published on HackerNoon at: https://hackernoon.com/four-things-to-do-before-and-after-youre-laid-off. One of the hardest things to deal with about a layoff is that it is unexpected for the person laid off. Take these steps to deal with it if /when it happens. Check more stories related to management at: https://hackernoon.com/c/management. You can also check exclusive content about #careers, #career-advice, #tech-careers, #startup, #personal-growth, #personal-development, #work, #work-life-balance, and more. This story was written by: @rickchen. Learn more about this writer by checking @rickchen's about page, and for more stories, please visit hackernoon.com. Employers are required to pay you for the time you have already worked and for your notice period. Severance pay is contingent on signing a severance agreement that pays the employee in return for them waiving rights to sue. There is no legal requirement for a company to deliver more of its [stock] or option benefits than have already been paid out. If you are laid off and not offered severance or offered a tiny amount, simply ask for more. The clock immediately starts ticking on stock option purchases.