The email that nobody wants pops up in your inbox. It's usually a calendar invite with no explanation but big names and big tension. Your career was going great and then suddenly, it's a reduction in force.
That’s the layoff experience. One moment you’re contributing. Next, you’re out. No warning. No roadmap.
And if you weren’t the one laid off? That meeting can be even heavier, bringing survivor guilt.
In Medical Affairs, rejection can feel personal. But it doesn’t have to define you. This week, we’re talking about:
- What to do when you’ve been let go
- How to support a teammate who has
- Real strategies to handle rejection
- And a chatbot named Mira who’s always in your corner
MSL Talk Podcast: "How to Handle a Job Layoff"
Three layoffs. One career. Zero bitterness.
Senior MSL CoraLynn Trewet shares her story of being unexpectedly let go, again and again, and how she kept rebuilding with courage, confidence, and community.
Here’s what CoraLynn teaches us:
- Pharma is never stable. Prepare anyway.
- Competitors can become your strongest allies.
- Rejection doesn’t mean you failed. It means your path is shifting.
- Grit isn’t just resilience, it’s choosing your response.
Featured Blog Post: "4 Ways to Help Your COLLEAGUE That's Been Laid Off"
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Read the Full Post Now - Click Here
Expert Recommendation: How to Handle Rejection (Without Losing Your Confidence)
Sarah got the layoff call on Halloween, and it was not a spooky trick. It was real. Almost immediately, she thought, What if this is the time to finally do the thing I haven't had time for?
For her, it was launching a podcast about running. It kept her grounded, helped her upskill, and reminded her who she was (beyond a job title).
Rejection CAN shake you. But it can also open up space for growth you never planned.
Here are 4 ways to reframe it:
- Rejection = Redirection. Most rejections aren’t about you, they’re about timing, fit, or business needs. It’s a pivot, not a verdict.
- Look for patterns. One "no" isn’t data. But three in the same stage? That’s a sign to tweak your resume, messaging, or interview story (more on troubleshooting your job search here).
- Don’t go silent. Reach out. Follow up. Stay connected. Many “no’s” turn into future opportunities.
- Protect your mindset. You can feel disappointed and still keep your confidence. Rejection is a test of belief, not talent.
Meet Mira: Your 24/7 Career Wingwoman
Laid off? Back on the market? Unsure how to help a teammate? Mira’s here for all of it.
Mira is our new MSL Mastery chatbot. She’s trained with expert advice, always available, and never awkward (ok, maybe sometimes).
Use Mira to:
- Navigate layoffs with confidence
- Help write LinkedIn messages that get responses
- Prep for interviews or reach out to hiring managers
- Support your teammates with empathy and strategy
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TL;DR – Quick Takeaways
- Layoffs are hard, but they’re not the end of your story.
- Rejection is redirection, not a reflection of your worth.
- Don’t disappear when others are hurting. Support starts with presence.
- Mira can guide you through tough moments, hard conversations, and next steps.
Rejection feels personal. But it doesn’t get to decide who you are.
Your response? That’s where the real power lives. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.
We’re in your corner always,
Patrina, Sarah, Tom & Ralph
P.S. If rejection has left you feeling isolated, you don’t have to stay there.
Comment below and we’ll help you find the right MSL Mastery community to get support, feedback, and people who truly get it.
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