Dealing with Redundancy
Redundancy can happen to us all. Even if you see it coming it can still be a shock when it happens. It can leave you feeling angry, shocked, embarrassed and guilty. You may also feel you’ve been unfairly treated. Knowing what to do after losing your job can help make being out of work that bit more manageable. It can also help you get your career back on track sooner rather than later. Redundancy is on the rise currently and is going to affect a lot of people. Here’s help with dealing with it:
Take time to come to terms with the situation
Being made redundant can come as a huge surprise. Give yourself plenty of time to reflect on and understand what’s happened and how you feel about the situation. Be kind to yourself – acknowledge if you are feeling stressed and if you need some emotional support.
Make sure you have the right mindset
Being gracious about your redundancy, especially if you believe it shouldn’t have happened, may be difficult, particularly in those early days. However it’s important you don’t take it personally and you do remain professional throughout. Exit gracefully and maintain a positive mindset as much as you possibly can.
Be clear of your rights
While taking stock of the situation it’s also important you use the time to understand your rights and what you are entitled to. Being clear on your redundancy package and contact etc. will enable you to stay in control and take informed actions. If you are unsure of your rights contact ACAS.
Manage your finances
Be proactive about taking stock of your finances and creating a budget. Having a clear idea of your incomings and outgoings makes it much easier to make rational financial decisions. Also don’t be afraid to reach out for help. There are many support services in place for people who are experiencing financial difficulties.
Share what’s happening
Telling people you’ve been made redundant may be the last thing you want to do because you feel embarrassed, but talking about the situation and your feelings will make things more manageable. Talking to others will also help you rebuild your confidence. If you have friends and family around you, let them in and allow them to support you – it doesn’t have to be forever.
Map your goals
As the saying goes ‘when one door closes, another opens’ which is precisely what can happen if you’ve been made redundant. Use the downtime to reassess what’s important for your work and home life. Have you got the right work life balance or is there room for improvement? Or perhaps you fancy a career change? If you are not sure what to do next contact the Job Centre and make an appointment to see a Career Advisor.
Establish a new routine
Sticking to a daily routine will help you stay focused. Get up as if you’re going to work, get dressed and concentrate on finding a new job. Having some structure to your day will help you stay positive and enable you to keep track of what you’ve done today and what you need to do tomorrow.
Search for your next job
There’s no time like the present to look for new opportunities which can keep you going and help you feel positive about getting back to work again. At the same time prepare your ‘recruitment tool kit’, by that I mean your CV and your cover letter. You will definitely need these at some point so best to perfect them now.
Get networking
Put your redundancy downtime to good use by taking part in networking sessions in person at Job Clubs and Job Fairs where you can make valuable new contacts, find out about opportunities and get noticed by potential employers. Also reach out to people via LinkedIn and use your profile to really expand your network.
Look after yourself
By this I mean keep tabs on your mental wellbeing and give yourself a break if you are feeling stressed or deflated by your current situation. You won’t always be in this situation and you will get another job – hopefully an even better one that you’ve just lost.
To summarize it can feel like the end of the world when you’ve been made redundant but having a clear plan of action for what you are going to do next can really help you turn the situation around. Do contact us if you feel we can help you with your job search
Look after yourself
Angela Burton