VRG on Fox35: Navigating Holiday Layoffs – How to Pivot with Confidence

by David Sprinkle

2025-12-10

December 10, 2025 – David Sprinkle was on Fox 35 this morning discussing local layoffs and what you can do about it.

Holiday layoffs are difficult under any circumstances, but when they hit close to home — as they have recently in Central Florida — the impact feels even more personal. With companies like Frito-Lay, Kroger, and Verizon announcing significant workforce reductions, many professionals in our region are suddenly facing uncertainty at a time traditionally filled with family, celebration, and financial commitments.

At Veritas Recruiting Group, we speak with professionals every day who are navigating job transitions, restructurings, and layoffs. And as the Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for CareerSource Central Florida, I also see firsthand the incredible resources available to help local workers get back on their feet quickly.

If you or someone you know has been affected by recent layoffs, this guide will help you move forward with clarity, strategy, and confidence.

The Reality of Year-End Layoffs

While year-end layoffs might feel unexpected, they are more common than many realize. Companies often finalize budgets in Q4, restructure teams for the upcoming fiscal year, or reduce labor costs before heading into January. Unfortunately, this leads to job eliminations that collide with the holiday season.

In Central Florida, the impact has been substantial:

  • Frito-Lay abruptly shut down its Orlando manufacturing plant and warehouse operations, eliminating roughly 500 local jobs.

  • Kroger is closing its Florida fulfillment centers, affecting more than 1,400 workers statewide — including many in the Greater Orlando area.

  • Verizon announced a major national restructuring, cutting over 13,000 jobs, with regional effects around Florida and the Southeast.

These announcements underscore the importance of being prepared — whether you’ve already been laid off or you sense that changes may be coming.

If You’ve Been Laid Off: What to Do Immediately

A sudden layoff can be emotional and disorienting. But the first 48 hours are critical, and taking the right steps can dramatically improve your long-term outcome.

1. Pause before signing anything

You do not need to sign your severance agreement on the spot. Take 24–48 hours to read it carefully. Look for details about:

  • Benefits continuation

  • PTO payout

  • Bonus eligibility

  • Non-compete or non-solicitation terms

  • COBRA transition

If something seems unclear, consult an HR professional or employment attorney.

2. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile

Recruiters and hiring managers move fast. The sooner your materials are current, the sooner you’ll appear in searches for open positions.

Make sure your LinkedIn headline, skills, and “Open to Work” settings are optimized for maximum visibility.

3. Notify and activate your network

Most people think job boards drive hiring — but in reality, networking fills more roles than online applications.

Start with:

  • Former managers

  • Colleagues

  • Vendors and partners

  • Industry connections

Let them know you’re open to new opportunities.

4. Consider contract or consulting work

Many professionals leverage temporary roles as a bridge to full-time employment. Contract work keeps income flowing, builds new relationships, and often leads to permanent placement.

If You Suspect Layoffs Are Coming: Prepare Quietly and Strategically

You may notice early warning signs: hiring freezes, budget cuts, leadership changes, project slowdowns, or team restructures. If that’s the case, prepare now — but do it discreetly.

1. Refresh your professional materials

Keep your resume and LinkedIn polished and ready to send.

2. Document your accomplishments

This helps with:

  • Negotiating severance

  • Requesting references

  • Marketing yourself effectively

3. Begin low-key networking

Set up coffee chats, reconnect with colleagues, attend industry events, or check in with recruiters. Keep momentum without signaling that you’re planning to leave.

4. Stay engaged until the very end

If layoffs are looming, your instinct may be to pull back — but staying engaged protects your reputation and your benefits.

Should You Stay Until the Very End?

One of the most common questions we hear is:
“If I know a layoff is coming, should I stay through my last eligible day?”

In most cases, yes.

Remaining employed through the official end date usually ensures:

  • Maximum severance payout

  • Eligibility for bonuses

  • Health insurance transition

  • Stronger references

  • Smoother HR processing

There are a few exceptions — such as receiving a new offer elsewhere or working in an environment that becomes toxic or unsafe — but for most workers, staying through the end is financially and professionally beneficial.

Local Support: CareerSource Central Florida

As the Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for CareerSource Central Florida, I want to emphasize this clearly:

If you are impacted by layoffs at Frito-Lay, Kroger, Verizon, or any other employer in our region — connect with CareerSource immediately.

CareerSource provides free services to job seekers, including:

  • Career coaching

  • Training and certification programs

  • Workshops

  • Resume support

  • Job placement assistance

  • Employer connections

These programs are funded to support workers in exactly these situations — and many people don’t realize the resources are readily available.

You can learn more at: CareerSourceCentralFlorida.com

Corporate Professionals: Veritas Recruiting Group Is Here to Help

For professionals in:

  • Accounting

  • Finance

  • Human Resources

  • Corporate administration

Our team at Veritas Recruiting Group partners with hundreds of growing companies across mid-Florida. Many of them are actively hiring right now — even as other sectors restructure.

We help candidates:

  • Identify the right next step

  • Navigate opportunities discreetly

  • Prepare for interviews

  • Maximize offer outcomes

If you’re looking for your next career opportunity, we’d love to be a resource.

A Final Word of Encouragement

A layoff can feel destabilizing — especially during the holiday season — but it does not define your value or your future. In fact, January and February are historically two of the strongest hiring months of the year. With the right strategy and support, many professionals rebound far faster than they expect.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by the recent layoffs and needs guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Veritas Recruiting Group and CareerSource Central Florida are both here to help our community navigate this season and move forward with confidence.