Losing your job is difficult in any situation, especially in today’s economy. But, regardless, whether you are a highly educated senior executive or someone just starting their career is informed that they no longer have a job, it will shock them.

Many people will experience a period of grief following Redundancy. Some individuals are more resilient than others in dealing with this challenge. Supporting yourself through the tough time after Redundancy can be difficult.

“Many people will experience a period of grief following Redundancy. Some individuals are more resilient than others in dealing with this challenge. Supporting yourself through the tough time after Redundancy can be difficult.”

Therefore It is essential to

1. Understand what Redundancy is and is not!

The most important thing is to remember is that Redundancy is not a reflection of an individual’s abilities or work skills. Instead, redundancy results from companies assessing their ongoing organisational structure according to future direction and strategy.

Redundancy is a notice that a job and its duties are no longer needed. It is essential to be aware that this is not about an employee personally; this program results from downsizing organisations. The company may reduce its size or change its direction, including outsourcing various business functions.

2. It is essential to be aware of the different stages of grief.

It is essential to understand the various stages of grief that may follow the notification of a redundancy. One popular model is the “Dancing with Sarah” model, which is an effective way to help individuals step through their feelings following a redundancy. It focuses on the various emotions that people may feel following the event:

1. Shock

2. Anger

3. Resistance

4. Acceptance

5. Help

Each person will go through these stages at their own pace and may move back and forth between them before reaching “Acceptance” and finally seeking “Help.” Some people may stay in the “Anger” and “Resistance” stages for a more prolonged time than others. Other people may take longer to reach the acceptance stage than first expected. Many find it challenging to transition into the acceptance stage at first. If individuals can identify and label the emotions they are feeling, they are more likely to seek possible job opportunities that may be better suited to them.

3. Seek Professional Support!

Some people receive a customised outplacement support program from their job that suits their needs. Others may not receive any support at all, or the support they receive does not fit their needs. Following their redundancy, some people need ongoing help throughout the transition process. A period of Redundancy (and support) is more successful in securing a new job sooner. Accredited career consultants such as Optitude OCC specialise in tailored outplacement and transition programs that provide personal support during this challenging time. They act to boost your confidence and self-esteem and significantly increase your chances of finding a new job sooner.

4. Don’t wait!

Please do not make the mistake of waiting until you have received severance pay before looking for a new job! The recruitment process typically takes about twelve weeks, so it’s best to start looking right away. This timeline covers the different stages of applying for a job, from the application to the interview stage. Please note that this does not include the time it can take for an application to succeed. Given high unemployment rates, many people are looking for work, even if they don’t respond immediately. Therefore, if you are looking for a new job, you should search various sources for alternative employment (Never rely on a single interview)! This will improve your chances of finding a new position sooner and reduce the risk of being financially affected by redundancy.

5. Remain positive

Losing workmates and colleagues you have come to know well is daunting, and it is often difficult to remain positive when all of your friends are gone. Nevertheless, it is essential to maintain a positive attitude, as this will increase both your chances and speed of finding new future work opportunities.

It is only too easy to fall into the “victim” mindset where you ask yourself “, why me?”…..So!

!!Tough Love Warning!!

In the words of the speaker and author Mel Robbins

“You are never ever, ever, ever going to feel like doing the things you need to do to have what you want! You are always going to need to push yourself. You’re always going to need to parent yourself. No one is coming to tell you to apply for that job!”

Being positive involves having a good attitude, not being focused on what “comes next.” You can maintain a positive outlook by Following Optitude’s 5 Commandments of the job search. These commandments are like Lighthouses! Follow them to a bright future or break yourself against the rocks on which they sit. Your choice?

Optitudes 5 commandments of Redundancy are as follows:

1. “My position at work was made redundant – Not me as an individual – I refuse to feel sorry for myself as this is a wasted emotion.”

2. “I will be highly proactive in my job search, focusing on both the “passive” and “active” Job Markets.

3. “I will proactively and thoroughly research new jobs, opportunities, companies and industries online.”

4. On notice of redundancy, I will act as if I want to keep my job until the bitter end, leaving with pride, dignity, and a good reference. (Warning! You may feel tempted to tell your boss some “home truths” at the end! Very simply, please don’t do it!)

5. If I am no longer employed, I will continue to operate as if I am employed. Why? Because finding a job is a full-time job!. I will wake up at the same time each morning, rise, shower, dress for work, do my regular tasks, and work to a to-do list in my Job search.

Understanding redundancy and the stages you may go through will help you be more resilient if and when it happens. It is important to remember that you and only you can choose your reaction to redundancy. The decision to make it a positive experience or an unfavourable one is solely in your hands! I Advocate picking the former.

Think about redundancy as an opportunity to open your eyes to new possibilities, as this will ensure that you get the most out of your situation. In addition, the transition period is an opportunity to find an ideal career, learn new skills and build new relationships. By remaining positive and looking at all options resulting from Redundancy, you will get the best possible outcome for yourself and your career.