resetting after a redundancy
HOW CAN YOU get moving again after being made redundant?
Being made redundant can be tough, and often brings a mix of emotions, from disappointment to uncertainty. It can feel overwhelming, even devastating and can take time to make sense of. I have worked with clients who are sad, shocked and grieving in that initial period post redundancy. Work is a big part of your life and identity and it can feel like life as you knew it has been dismantled. It is important to spend time with these emotions, grieving what was, finding ways to express your feelings and to process what’s happened at your pace.
But redundancy also presents an opportunity for growth and renewal. If you develop a strong mindset and foster habits that support your personal and professional development, you can turn this into a powerful rebuilding phase. I promise it can happen, I’ve seen it done!
You will however need to start with self-compassion.
It’s common to feel a sense of blame and to go over this time and that time from your past role, and to be critical of your past self. Remember though, that redundancy is typically a business decision rather than a personal failure. Shifting your self-talk to understanding and encouraging chat helps build the resilience you will need for your job search. Commit to being your own biggest fan right now and challenge your less helpful thinking. Try repeating positive affirmations like, “I am strong and capable and can get through this”. Set the tone internally for your success.
Setting clear, achievable goals can bring structure to your days and give you a sense of accomplishment. Having a few manageable tasks to do each day will keep you moving forwards. There are heaps of things you can do … research companies, revise your LinkedIn, apply to a certain number of jobs, reach out to connections, or connection of connections, meet up with someone — give yourself milestones to maintain your motivation along the way.
Embracing a growth mindset is another critical factor for navigating redundancy. A growth mindset means viewing setbacks as opportunities to learn from rather than as failures. I totally get that this can feel hard but you want this for yourself don’t you? Some clients have fixed mindsets and tend to see only all the reasons why it cannot work for them. It does not help them! What is way more helpful is to start seeing redundancy as the beginning of new things rather than the end, and opening yourself up completely to learning (and improving) along the way. Whenever rejection comes up, ask yourself what you can learn from the experience, treating each development as a step towards greater understanding.
Now is also the time to reach out to others. Networking may feel daunting, but it remains THE most valuable tool in a job search in my opinion. Reaching out to past colleagues, mentors, recruiters, industry contacts, family and friends — whether for job leads, information, support or advice— will expand your opportunities. People who know you and care for you want to support you and it can be a fairly easy thing for them. View networking as relationship-building with mutual benefits. Setting up chats with people in your field, allows you to gain valuable insights without directly asking for a job, and will lead to more genuine connections. And what is in it for them? They get to talk about things in their life, share information with you and feel good about being in a position to support you. You will likely find ways to support them at some point too.
Use this time to upskill and reskill too. Redundancy is an opportunity to gain new qualifications, skills, or certifications that can make you more competitive in our constantly changing labour market. Consider exploring training options on platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or Udemy, which offer affordable or free courses. Investing in skills relevant to emerging trends is a winning move (anyone for a quick AI course?).
Creating a daily routine can provide stability and maintain productivity in the absence of regular work hours. Designing a balanced plan for your days, where job search time is interwoven with rest and self-care, can reduce feelings of overwhelm and promote a sense of control over your days. Consider blocking out specific times for job applications, networking, researching and then your other activities. This structured approach keeps you on track while avoiding burnout.
Try to adopt habits that support your mental and physical well-being during this period. Take care of yourself through regular exercise, mindfulness, and nourishing food - it will enhance both your focus and positivity. Simple practices, such as meditation or daily walks, provide opportunities to decompress, manage stress, and promote mental clarity.
Acknowledging the positive aspects of your life, even in challenging times, can help you stay motivated. Cultivating gratitude is a powerful way to remind yourself of your progress and the value you continue to bring. At the end of each day, consider jotting down a few things you’re grateful for and a small win from your day, even if it’s as simple as completing an application or watching a webinar online.
Finally, remember to practice patience and perseverance. Job Searching can be unpredictable and, at times, discouraging. Keeping a progress log can be a helpful way to track your applications, interviews, and networking efforts. Reviewing this log shows how far you’ve come, even if the path ahead still feels uncertain.
Though redundancy can be a challenging period, it’s also a chance to redefine your career path, explore new strengths, and build resilience. With a mindset focused on growth and habits that support well-being, you can navigate this transition with confidence. By embracing the opportunity to evolve and taking consistent steps forward, no matter how small, you’re actively creating a foundation for your success. Remember, redundancy is a chapter—not the entire story—and how you respond to it will define what lies ahead.
If you are interested in my Career Transition and Outplacement services please click here for more information. I am ready to support you and keep you moving towards your goals.
Ok, here’s a quick recap for you of all my suggestions…
Have self-compassion
Set clear, achievable goals
Embrace a growth mindset
Network with purpose (if you hate the sound of this I can help you to rethink what this means in your context)
Upskill / reskill for your future work
Structure your days
Adopt habits that promote resilience and well-being
Practice gratitude and celebrating your wins
Be patient and determined
Be your own champion and believe that you can reach your desired destination. Why not you?
And of course if you need support, please book in for a no obligation initial chat with me.