How to react to redundancy

07 Dec 2020

It is the harsh reality that more and more people are facing redundancy as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. We are seeing an unprecedented number of applications for our roles and speaking to more people by the day who are out of work. It's an incredibly difficult time. Our Lead Consultant, Lara, has penned her pieces of advice on what to do if you are made redundant and how to react. 

 

You're Not Alone

It can be easy to have feelings of failure and question your talent and ability. Don't. Being made redundant doesn't make you bad at your job or a bad employee. It is something the majority of people will go through at some point in their career and unfortunately during a recession as we are seeing now, it is common. So you're not alone and you shouldn't have any feelings of failure or rejection. 

 

Take time out

In the panic and shock, I can see how one might want to rush into the job search straightaway - my advice would be, don't.  Not without giving yourself at least a couple of days or weeks to process all the thoughts and emotions this stressful and unsettling event can bring.  

Manage your money

Financial matters will immediately come to the fore - take a good long look at your finances and work out what you can do - setting yourself a strict weekly budget for example or cutting out all those subscriptions that aren't neccessary (but so many of us have!).

 

Utilise all support

Following on from the above, if you need to utilise state benefits, do it.  You've been paying your taxes over the years for this exact reason.  There are also a myriad of sources of advice and information out there - Money Advice Service for example. 

 

Form your plan

Utilise this opportunity to take stock and understand what it is you want next of all.  You may well conclude that actually you were really happy in your last role and you'd like something similar. For others, it could be a chance to take some time to upskill in order to slightly change direction - or change career altogether. 

Look after yourself

I know you will have seen this in very many articles/blogs over the last few months but it really is true.  If you need to speak to someone about your mental health - do it.  If you need to take time out each day to dedicate to an activity that makes you feel better - do it.

 

Start the search

When you feel ready - but not before - start your job search. You need to be in the right frame of mind to embark on this.  Utilise your network and sign up with 2-3 recruitment agencies in your specialist area.  Start a daily routine for the search but don't spend the whole day at it. Combine the job search with looking after yourself.

 

At Stopgap we have connected with LaunchPad, a free 1-2-1 career coaching programme run by The Lighthouse in Woking but open to anyone who has been made redundant or is unemployed and would like some support and guidance, to give them confidence in their job hunt. Spaces are limited, but you can find out more and how to apply on their website.

 

And of course, we're always here to help at Stopgap. Please get in touch if you would like to talk.