Life after redundancy, what’s next?
Though it can be a highly emotional experience to go through, there is life after redundancy.
Redundancy can be a very stressful experience. It can feel a terrible shock, particularly if you didn’t see it coming.
It is all too easy to become very self-critical and to think that it is your fault. But it isn’t.
In reality the fact that a business did not work is down to things that were beyond your control. It may be that you have been made redundant as part of a restructuring and reorganisation process. Remember: it isn’t your fault.
Change can be difficult, life after redundancy – it is up to you to look after yourself
Though redundancy may have come as a shock, there is life after it, the first task is to give yourself time to acclimatise to the change.
The fact is that though you would not have chosen this, you have an opportunity now to think about what you would like to do. This may be a one-off opportunity to make a change.
It is a good idea to take time after the redundancy to think about what you want to do next, to think about whether you would like to retrain. To think about the opportunities in this downtime.
Links regarding redundancy from employee and employers perspective
Gov.UK – making staff redundant
Life after redundancy – Try not to be too worried about how this will look on your CV
Recruiters are very used to people having been made redundant, they know that it isn’t about you, it’s about decisions that were taken, and about the way businesses have done things that are beyond your control.
Rather than becoming mired in self-doubt, for life after redundancy to develop, it is helpful if you can become interested in moving on, in new opportunities, in adapting to the change in your circumstances.
Don’t despair, instead :
- think about what you want to do
- think about people you can talk to, people who will support you and help you develop your ideas
- look after yourself, stay fit, stay healthy
You are available now should an interesting opportunity come up, you don’t have to work through notice periods.
Manage yourself for life after redundancy
Finding a way to take control of the situation is helpful and useful. Don’t see yourself as a victim, as powerless, instead you can start to think about where you are now and what kind of things you would like to happen next.
Managing yourself, taking control can make it easier to start focusing on what you want next and of getting yourself in a position to be prepared to be interviewed and to be interested in new positions you are offered.
It is helpful to manage the situation as you go through it
Make sure you finish any work, or close off any responsibilities you need to conclude before you leave. Remain professional and work to high standards. You will want to make sure you have good references from your old employer.
Don’t let the news of your coming redundancy tarnish your capacity to deliver good work. Focus on continuing to deliver good work, including the good work of looking after yourself and finding new opportunities.
Redundancy is going to wake up your interest in managing and being responsible for yourself. By doing that, you demonstrate your capacity to do these things for other people too, you make it apparent why you would be a good person to hire for a new position.
Life after redundancy – manage the story
Think about the story you are going to tell about what has happened. Make it as straightforward and honest as you can be, for example: ‘…the company restructured, shed staff and unfortunately I was in one of the departments that was slimmed down…’
Being made redundant was beyond your control.
Be careful to make the most of what support is available to you
Check on any outplacement or coaching support that is available to help you manage the transition into life after redundancy. Make the most of all opportunities your employer provides for you, you may get access to a mentor or coach.
Make a plan for things you are going to do in your time off. A certain amount of time might be taken up by CV writing, by networking, by looking at the job market, but there are probably things you would like to do as well that you would not ordinarily have the time for. This might include time with your children, your partner, things you want to do at home or in the garden.
Make a plan, this is all part of managing yourself and the process and it will help you transition into life after redundancy.
How I work to help people focus on life after redundancy
All of my work takes place through conversations. I am experienced in providing my clients with the safe and confidential space they need to talk through their experience and of helping them prepare for life after redundancy. I help my clients locate the energy required to engage with their next stage of career.
Working with Toby Ingham coaching
I am an APECS qualified coach and a UKCP registered psychotherapist and I have been working with people for 20 years.
I have built up a track record of success in helping people achieve their goals by helping people develop compelling pictures;
- of what they would like to change about their lives
- of what they would like to achieve
- of what stops them developing their ideas and potential further
- of what needs to happen to help them make a change
Contact now for a free telephone consultation to see how Toby Ingham coaching can help you.
