Losing your role to redundancy can be a very vulnerable time. You can be left feeling anxious, nervous, or maybe even excited and relieved, depending on how you felt about your last place of work. Whatever you’re feeling, having the right support around you is crucial to move forward with positivity and confidence.
This was the topic of a recent conversation I had with Emma, the CV Guru. During our call, we talked candidly about how career coaching can support anyone going through redundancy or a restructure.
Here are the key takeaways from our chat:
Take the time to reflect
Everyone approaches redundancy differently. Don’t be tempted to rush into the next thing straight away. Take some time to reflect on “what next?” and consider your options. This can help you to create new opportunities and even try something different that you hadn’t considered before.
Acknowledge the aftershock
When you’re first told about a redundancy, it’s common to feel a mix of strong emotions ranging from anxiety, frustration and anger to excitement and relief. It’s all part of the process and part of being human. Let yourself feel what you need to feel and don’t be afraid of the emotions.
Reach out for support
Often, it’s not just the loss of the job. There’s also a knock-on impact on your confidence and identity which can really affect how you feel. The good news is that with the right support, it can be re-built. Don’t be afraid to reach out and seek the support you need.
Start small
Avoid the temptation to take big leaps. Instead, focus on taking small steps in the first few weeks after a redundancy. This approach will make you feel more in control, help you move forward in a positive way and, most importantly, build your confidence.
Find some perspective
I have a really great trick to put things into perspective when you find yourself in a challenging situation. It’s the ‘ask your best friend’ question. When you’re really hitting a wall and wondering what on earth to do next you ask yourself, ‘What would you tell your best friend to do if they were in this situation?’ . This often helps dial down the emotion and think without fear.
Don’t forget the practical steps
While you’re deciding what to do next, there are some practical steps you can get started with such as updating your CV and LinkedIn profiles. If you need some help, the CV Guru can offer expertise in this area to make sure you’re presenting yourself at your very best.
And finally, a word for anyone who has been left behind after a restructuring and left with survivor syndrome. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. Career coaching can support you through the transition after redundancy and help you to adjust to, and even get excited about, a new beginning.
Let’s get started
If you or anyone you know is experiencing any type of career transition and needs some support, don’t hesitate to get in touch for a chat. You’re not alone and support is out there.