Riding the Wave of Redundancy and Job Search

These are anxious times that are, for some, deeply concerning.  The impacts of the pandemic, various natural disasters, and the cost-of-living crisis have had a colossal impact on so many people. We understand that no one wants to get news of their role being disestablished – especially now. If redundancy is impacting you currently, we want to remind you that anxiety and worry are absolutely natural responses, and you’re not alone – a lot of people are in the same boat, and you’ll be able to get through this. We want to give you some advice on how to alleviate the stress of the unknown and how best to navigate a redundacy.  

On receiving notice of redundancy

When you get the news that your role has been disestablished, take a moment and process the shock as best you can. Make sure you have the news in writing or take notes, because you may not take it all in at the time. Afterwards, take a moment to think through what you need to do next. This is likely to include gathering more information, confirming timeframes for assessing your hand over responsibilities and checking what you can and can’t take with you.

Take a day or two to process the situation

Take some time to process the news and let out your emotions to your friends and family for support. Think through what you need in order to remain composed for your hand over. Despite being in a tricky situation, you owe it to yourself to leave with your head held high, knowing you have done your best and kept your integrity. Try not to take the redundancy personally: redundancies can happen to anyone, and it is not a reflection of your self worth.

Get support

If you find yourself anxious, emotional, or unable to sleep, ask your employer if an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is available. Most companies have an EAP to provide funded counselling for employees under stress. Even if you think you feel okay about your redundancy, talking about it to a qualified third party can be an excellent way to process a big change.

Your friends and family’s support is invaluable. Although they might be worried for you in this unknown situation, be sure to take their concern as a show of support, and don’t let anyone knock your confidence. External support by people you trust and who are level-headed and encouraging will be helpful.

Ideally, your manager or HR person will have given you the details of an outplacement provider who has the expertise to guide and support you through the job search process. Sometimes employees are given a transition budget instead, which means they can choose their own career coach, retraining or redundancy support.

If you are looking for mental health support, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with a therapist. You can book online or in person sessions at https://www.myclearhead.com/find-a-therapist quick and accesible support.

Look after yourself and prioritise self-care.

The worst thing about redundancy is that it feels like it diminishes the control you have of your life and how you are living it. Once you have dealt with the emotions that will come with the news, take back your control. Begin by creating a routine of self-care to take you through the job search journey. This self-care could come in the form of exercise, meditation, mindfulness, journalling, or investing time in yourself in any way that nourishes your soul and makes you feel better. Consider making a mood board or writing down affirmations about what you want your life to look like from here. Remember, throwing yourself into distractions will not help you to regain control, but mindful practices to improve your mental health will make a big difference.

Be clear about your career direction and ‘ideal’ next role

Self-awareness is the key to making a good job transition. Being clear about what you want in life, creating a career plan with both short and long-term goals, and backing yourself to achieve your aspirations and goals will help you to succeed. For career advice, you can email [email protected] to book a meeting with a career coach who will help you to identify what you have to offer and give advice for your specific situation so you know what is right for you.

Update your CV and LinkedIn profile

Updating your CV will reconnect you with what you do well and where you have added value. In doing so, you should regain confidence as you recognise the skills you have to offer a new employer. LinkedIn is a great networking platform and one of the most important internet resources for job seekers. It is essential when you are engaging in a job search and for managing your career profile. It provides a first impression to employers, recruiters and to potential clients if you are building a profile. Your LinkedIn profile should offer a concise snapshot of your employment or business history, accomplishments, education and core strengths. Don’t get too stressed about it ‘seeming perfect’ - your skills will speak for themselves!

Network

Networking is an informal approach to accessing those job opportunities that have not been advertised. It is an intelligent way of becoming more visible in the job market. Therefore, it is important that you prepare your network strategy well. The objective of networking is about obtaining information which eventually leads to identifying job opportunities and getting feedback on your CV and fit for roles. In the process you become a very well-informed candidate, getting practice in talking about yourself and widening your range of contacts.

Riding the Wave

Ultimately, it’s important to remember that you are not alone, and fear-based actions are counter-productive. Managing job changes needs to be undertaken with as much care as a surfer riding a large wave.

To successfully ride a big wave, a surfer needs good balance and to stay very present, be aware of the environment and conditions, and know the level of skill they need for navigating it. Most of all, they need heaps of composure, a good understanding of where the hazards are, and some friends around to look out for them if things go awry.

Surfing doesn’t come naturally to most people so good coaching, guidance, and practice are crucial. Similarly, if you haven’t had a lot of experience in managing redundancy or navigating the rough conditions of a changeable and tight job market, get help.

A well-navigated ride should mean that you will have fewer bailouts – so take care and prepare! You’ve got this.

Kaye Avery,

Clearhead Career Coach