Coping with Redundancy
Redundancy can be a very emotional and unsettling time, and one that can leave you unsure about your future.. However, with the right approach and planning, it can also be an opportunity to start making your move towards the next successful next step in your career.
Whether it was known or was a bolt from the blue, being made redundant can have a negative impact on your well-being and confidence. It’s therefore very important at every stage of this new journey to stay positive and focused.
Why do companies make people redundant?
Redundancy happens for a host of reasons and despite this, it can be difficult to accept. There may need to be a cost cutting exercise to preserve the business, or new systems have been introduced that automate procesess meaning you are no longer needed. There may have been a merger, a buyout, their business model may have changed dramatically or your office may be relocating to another part of the Uk or internationally.
ULTIMATELY try as best as you can to not take it personally. However, whatever the reason, know your legal rights – for detailed information visit Gov.uk here Know Your Rights
So how do you deal with redundancy?
Being made redundant can cause your emotions to spiral, worried about your finances, your family and your future. To assist, below are some ideas to help you get through this. Just remember this is a short-term bump in the road and not your life from now on.
This list isn’t exhaustive but is a great framework to approach redundancy
Make sure you are aware of your legal rights
No matter what happens stay professional during your exit from your role
Ask if there is any support to help you with your job search
Plan your household expense and cut out unnecessary costs
Seek advice straightaway if you are concerned about costs you cannot meet
Always talk to friends and family - do not suffer in silence
Take stock of your last role – were you happy or ready for a change in any event?
Seek advice from someone like myself if you are unsure of your next steps
Create yourself an achievement-led CV – see my other blog about writing a compelling CV for support on this
Treat finding a new role like a day at work – have a set routine, get up as if you are going to work and start and finish the same time every day
Do not scattergun the market with applications as by doing so you may add to your stress if you don’t gain any traction. Focus on what you really would love to do
Apply for an interim/short-term role if money is tight, allowing you breathing space to secure the permanent role you want long-term
Start networking on LinkedIn – ask for recommendations from people you’ve worked with. Ask people if they know of any opportunities they could put you forward for or register with 3-4 good recruiters, so your CV doesn’t flood the market and underplay your value
Stay active, make sure you give yourself time to heal and process what has happened and know that good things lie ahead. Your mental health and well-being is vital to get you through this
So, if you find yourself facing the ‘Big R’ like may former clients and would benefit from my support, please get in touch as soon as possible.
I fully understand the whole host of emotions you may be going through and can help you maximise your efforts to secure your next exciting role. What seems insurmountable today, tomorrow can be long forgotten.
To see more about my experience and the services that I offer please visit…
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