So, you’ve been made redundant. Take a deep breath, exhale and let it go. Likely, this decision was beyond your control and you’re far from alone in this situation. What matters now is how you regroup and move forward. It’s time to turn the page and start the next chapter of your career.
The job (not you) was made redundant – you are still valuable
Facing redundancy can be a rollercoaster of emotions. It’s important to recognise and address these feelings as you navigate this challenging period.
Redundancies are typically a business decision, not a reflection of your worth or abilities. Resist the urge to internalise it as personal failure and reframe the experience as an opportunity you were not expecting to reevaluate your work life.
It’s all too easy to take the experience personally. However, remember that you are more than your job. While your time in that position has come to an end, your professional journey continues. Take positivity, not negativity, into your next steps and realise that this is a temporary situation.
Many successful people have faced redundancy and gone on to thrive in new roles or careers.
Be proactive in your job search
You are less likely to secure your dream job by simply uploading your CV to a job board and wait for the calls to flood in. The job market has changed.
In today’s jobs market, you must be spend time and energy finding, researching and following opportunities, sending thought out applications, keeping in touch with contacts and arranging appointments. You’ll get back what you put in.
Job search strategies
- Identify transferable skills
- Explore retraining opportunities
- Update your CV
- Leverage online job platforms
- Contact a recruitment agency
Although the volume of applications may feel disheartening, each time you will become better through practice.
Ask if an outplacement is included in your redundancy package
Be sure to check whether your previous employer offers outplacement as part of the redundancy.
This is a service that helps former employees with support during the job search process through the provision of practical advice, training materials and workshops on subjects like CV writing, interview techniques, skills assessments etc. and sometimes a career coach.
Don’t burn your bridges
Though sometimes the end of your employment can foster feelings of bitterness, don’t express this through in negative behaviour towards your former employers. These feelings are often short-lived but can be damaging if expressed in an unprofessional manner.
Remaining professional and maintaining relationships you have established is important for your future. These networks can be incredibly powerful for future career progression, if not in your next role, sometimes the one after.
Use this as a chance to reassess
For some, redundancy becomes a blessing in disguise. Being forced back into the jobs market can encourage you to assess your professional hopes and aspirations. Having had the space to reassess, you can make better decisions about your next move.
Are you in the right sort of position, company or even career? What are your values? What skills to you have? (You will find many of these are transferable) What to you enjoy? When are you in flow? Now is a good time to ask these questions.
Manage your money
Your income could be uncertain for the near- and short-term future. So, now’s not the time for carefree spending. Make sure you keep a watchful eye on your finances and ensure you have enough put aside to be able to travel to interviews and work before your first salary payment is made.
Stay positive and focus on the future
As difficult as it is, you may be tempted to obsess over the details of the events leading up to your redundancy. This isn’t helpful for your wellbeing.
You cannot change the past, so spending time and energy on this is unlikely to help your mindset, attitude or clarity when entering the job market again.
Let it go, what’s done is done. Try to view this as an opportunity for growth and new beginnings, rather than an ending.
