It’s been just over 12 months now since I was made redundant (if you want to catch up on the full story, I’ve written about it here and here).
I nearly didn’t write this post, because to be honest it all feels like ancient history now.
But, I know that heaps of people get hit hard by redundancy, so I thought it might be good to share some of my tips for recovering from redundancy.
1. Whatever help is offered to you – grab it with both hands
My former employer provided free sessions with a financial advisor and a psychologist. I saw the financial planner straight away, but waited a couple of months before booking in to see the psychologist. By that stage I was struggling quite a bit with all the emotions that my redundancy had stirred up.
In hindsight – I don’t know why I waited, but I’m just glad I accessed this service when I did. Those sessions helped me to get everything in perspective and see the upside of things.
Another free service I accessed was the Redland City Business GROW, which is specifically to help local residents wanting to start their own small business. I highly recommend it.
2. Start planning for the future straight away
If you feel you need a break or a holiday, by all means take one. But I knew that I needed to plunge right into the next phase of my life. I knew that if I took a break I was much more likely to just fall into a heap – and much more likely to have trouble getting back on my feet.
3. Keep to your routine
Although it might be tempting to sleep in, wear your PJs all day, and sit in front of the TV eating tubs of ice cream – don’t.
I treated every day as a work day – I got up, dressed, and made sure I had things planned every day. The appointments I’d booked from Step Number One were part of this strategy.
But, I also made a point of scheduling lunch and coffee dates too. It might seem trivial, but having something – anything – in my diary, really helped my self esteem. Also, catching up with friends meant that I still got the regular social interaction I was used to in my old workplace; and friends can be an amazing listening ear and support through tricky times!
Plus you just never know too, what helpful tips they may have, or what connections they can give you, to help you along the way …
4. So life’s handed you a lemon. It’s time to make lemonade!
Unexpected redundancy can shake your life to the very core. I had every intention of staying with my former employer until retirement – probably 20 years away! Now I actually got to CHOOSE what I wanted to do.
I realised I didn’t want to commute, and I wasn’t interested in straight admin work either. I wanted to do something that I was passionate about. For me, that meant writing. What would it be for you?
5. Dare to dream
In the midst of the turmoil, I took some time to dream. How could I write for a living? If I were to start my own business, what would it look like?
I made a point of contacting people who were already doing similar to what I wanted to do (more of those lunch and coffee dates!), and picked their brains. I put some feelers out, and got a website.
Before I knew it, I had my first client and that was the clincher.
My severance package (including all my annual leave etc) was nearly equivalent to a year’s wage, so I gave myself a year to get my business up and running – to bring in a decent income. Anything I made in the meantime I would look on as a bonus.
Maybe for you this is a good time to consider a return to study, or moving into a different career.
6. Maybe I’m shallow, but clothes shopping helped 😉
Instead of getting depressed about not having much opportunity to wear my office outfits any more, I embraced my new lifestyle. I bought some fun pieces for working from home and client meetings. It all helped me get in the right frame of mind.
I also splashed out and got my nails done – it just made me feel more professional. Fake it til you make it, was my motto!
One Year Later …
Twelve months on, I’ve done it! My business is flourishing and I’ve even been interviewed by a local magazine as a “success story after redundancy“.
In hindsight, I can honestly say that I’m so glad my life took this very unexpected turn!
Have you ever been made redundant? What would you like to do if it happened to you?
Joining up for #FYBF at With Some Grace.