How to Cope with Redundancy

It can hit like a sledgehammer. Few people cope with redundancy well. Especially if you are not expecting it.

Your life is turned upside-down. You feel powerless. How can such a part of your life be taken away so easily? It seems so unfair. 

In those first few hours and days after redundancy, you will walk around in a daze, but keep walking. You are still on your feet, and you have a chance to forge a new career path. You would have done it at some point. The only inconvenience is that this was not at your chosen time. 

So, dust yourself off and make the most of a horrible situation. Here are a few suggestions (from personal experience) on how to cope with redundancy:

Don’t take it personally

When you are made redundant, your first reaction is: “What is wrong with me?” You feel worthless and unappreciated but try not to take it personally for too long. The nature of redundancy means that you won’t receive detailed performance feedback. When you don’t have specific reasons to help rationalize your exit, it is too easy to be overly self-critical. The logic behind your redundancy is more complicated than you might think.

Know your legal rights

Your second reaction should be to seek legal advice. You likely won’t need to get a professional involved if your situation is straightforward, as there is plenty of solid advice on the internet. Still, if you feel that your rights are being abused, you should absolutely consult someone proficient in employment law. Certain employers think they can get away with murder when it comes to redundancies – don’t let yourself be the victim.

Cope with redundancy financially

Plan your finances

When you understand the nature of your redundancy package (and when the payment is dropping into your account), you will know how much financial runway you have until you need a new role. Cut back on all non-essential expenses, make an emergency budget, and maybe consider sources of part-time income to take the pressure off the search for your next role. Redundancy is unexpected. Give yourself as much time as possible.

Maintain your connections

This is something that many people forget to do. You may have worked with some wonderful colleagues over the past years, but when people are made redundant, they feel like they want the earth to swallow them up. Former colleagues will be more than happy to support you in your next steps (you can still “talk” to them on social media outside of work) – so lean on them. You might be surprised at just how much value they add.

Reassess your career plans

Very few people move on to the same job that they did before. Careers tend to evolve as people grow. The problem with redundancy is that it is sudden and that any career reassessment needs to take place relatively quickly. This does not mean that it should be neglected. Forget the fact that you are under time pressure. What would you change in your role, and how will your next job help move you closer to your longer-term career goals?

Redundancy support

Welcome external support

Once you have a general direction for your search, it is time to lean on external reinforcements. Invest in the best career coach that you can afford. Get a CV writing professional to give you a second opinion. Ask your previous colleagues for their thoughts on what you are looking to do next. Either ask those who know you well or professionals who understand job search. Take any other sources of advice with a pinch of salt.

Leverage your LinkedIn network

Then comes the dreaded networking. Putting yourself out there immediately after redundancy can seem a little desperate (and many of your colleagues will be doing it). Given the sudden nature of your redundancy, you won’t have had time to build up your network organically, so there is no time to lose. Don’t act desperate, and don’t jump on any of the latest social media fads. Do connect with others and ask them for help.

Start your search for work

All the steps above will take a little while if you are mindful of their benefits. The worst thing you can do is fire off 100 emails to every recruiter in your network without knowing what you want from your next move. Having said this, you won’t find work by sitting on your hands and thinking. The time for action will come. Focus on only doing those things that will move you one step closer to your ideal job. Try not to waste time.

Take care of your mental health

This step should be a constant consideration in any case, but it is imperative during any redundancy process. Take regular breaks for reflection to cope with redundancy. Get plenty of exercise. Act on the warning signs of stress and burnout. Being honest about how you are feeling with those that you love is the best tonic. Get worries off your chest before they begin to crush you. Expect disappointments – learn from them. Celebrate every small success.

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This blog is shared with Job Seeker Duetists. 

Written by former recruitment ghostwriter Paul Drury (not AI).