Reinventing yourself after redundancy

Redundancy can be a life-changing event.

If you're lucky, it's something you've been anticipating and a welcome opportunity to take an extended career break and plan your next move. Unfortunately, redundancy is a total surprise for most of us and can be completely derailing. Not only does it place a huge question mark over your financial stability, but it can also feel like your life (as you know it) is completely dissolving before your eyes. For the first time in your life - you've lost control.

I've never been through an unexpected redundancy firsthand, which I'm incredibly thankful for. Still, I've been fortunate enough to help several senior execs regain employment and remain confident and optimistic through long periods of extreme stress. I've made some strong (and forever) friendships with these people and have been that friendly shoulder to lean on at some really low points in their lives.

Losing your job in your 30s, 40s, or 50s, in particular, can be terrifying because you likely have a family to support or significant financial commitments (most likely both). When you start looking for a new job, you'll also be competing in an environment that's no longer familiar or comfortable, especially if it's been a while since you've needed to look for work.

WHERE do you start when you've been made redundant?

Firstly, don't take it personally. There's no shame in being made redundant; it is the downside of business. When times get tough, leaders need to make complex business decisions so that the company can survive. It sucks, but you're certainly not alone. Secondly, you need to talk about it with your family and friends. Be open with how you're feeling, and don't be ashamed to be honest about how you're coping (or not). Talk to your GP if you feel like you need help moving forward.

Reconnect with your networks

Now is the time to catch up with all your business contacts, recruiters, ex-clients, and competitors (if legally you're allowed to) and let them know you're in the market. Again, don't be embarrassed to share that you've been made redundant. It happens, and you just need to move on. Update your CV and LinkedIn profile and start compiling a list of companies to target directly. 80% of opportunities are never advertised on job boards, so it certainly won't hurt to contact internal recruiters directly. You never know; you might be making contact at the perfect time. 

Find a good recruiter

Back to recruiters - you may have limited respect for them, but when you find a good (and well-connected one), they're an invaluable resource to tap into. They can advise you on your CV, insider info on what's happening in your industry, details on networking groups you should connect with, and intros to key people in their network. The dodgy ones will use you for their gain (e.g., a quick placement fee), so be careful if they want to put you forward to jobs that aren't a good match for you. The good ones are more interested in building a long-term relationship with you, which means they will be willing to give more than they expect to get back. Of course, they are few and far between, but they're around.

Final words of advice . . .

Once you can accept and move past the initial shock of being made redundant, you'll be ready to make the first steps to reinvention and create a brand new and exciting future. Surround yourself with positive people and stay focused on your end goal.