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 π
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.
Bec @ The Plumbette says
Janet I was just thinking this week that your one year anniversary from being made redundant was coming up. I have never been made redundant but I think when one door closes, a new one opens or it gives you a chance to work out which door you want to go through. I’m so glad to hear your. Business is flourishing! Yay you! π
Melanie Jonker says
Janet, what an inspiring post but as the old saying goes ‘it’s hard to keep a good woman down’. You have drive, passion, integrity, positiveness and the right attitude. You deserve all the success you’re getting. Congratulations!
Janet says
Thanks Mel, that is really sweet of you to say. Truth be told it did shake me to my foundations but here I am, smiling and singing again π
Parental Parody says
I’m so glad you did write the post – I was made redundant soon after my first baby. I blew the redundancy (and when do you possibly need money more than when made redundant with a baby, right?); and then sat at home with no clue how to get another part time job with a small child to work around.
From my experience, your tips are all spot on, and would’ve worked wonders for me back when I was in the same boat!
Janet says
Thank you so much! If it helps just one person I’ll be very happy – but hopefully it will help more π
Sally@Toddlers on Tour says
Janet I love how you said make lemonade from lemons.
To me that really is the trick. Many years ago I worked with Ansett and of course was suddenly found jobless from a position that I spent years trying to get. Disappointed does not begin to say how I felt at the time. But time marches on and the quicker you can bounce the better, I got a position with Qantas and whilst not in the same role enjoyed learning about another aspect of the airline industry.
Today I take all that knowledge with me and write my tips for travel with kids blog whilst being a SAHM
Janet says
I remember that! We were about to travel to Tassie from Melbourne and couldn’t decide whether to fly or take our car over on the ferry. The ferry won out and we were so thankful because we would have lost our money if we’d chosehttp://redlandcityliving.com/wp-admin/edit-comments.php#comments-formn to fly!
Kimberley says
Love it Janet. That’s unreal that they offered you a psychologist! We got outplacement help, which I never even took up in the end and I changed career paths almost completely (from HR to Writing/Editing – it took me 20 years to get back to the profession that I should been in in the first place! Full cycle, you know. It sounds like redundancy took us both on the same path! Kx
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
What an inspiration you are lovely – you’ve achieve so much and you seem so much happier now compared to that photo – your happy, bubbly nature shows through so much in your blog. Well done on achieving your goals – can’t wait to see what you do in the next 12 months xx
Pinky Poinker says
There is a very good chance my hubby may be made redundant in the near future so I’ll make sure to show him this… although maybe not the clothes shopping π
Travelling Macs says
A positive outlook on even what seems the most negative thing at the time is the way to strengthen yourself in my opinion. And you are testament to that. If I were made redundant (with not all that long til retirement I would like to work as a cashier in a retail store. That was always something I wanted to do in my childhood. Id get to talk to people all day long, peruse new product lines as i put them through the register and go home at night to free time π
Jacana says
This was very helpful as I am currently thinking about not working next year or a least cutting back drastically. Food for thought – thanks
Paula says
Hi Janet! My last day is tomorrow and I have only just got to read your tips. Thankfully I have done/am doing everything you’ve listed. I haven’t looked into a financial planner as yet. Can you recommend someone perhaps? I’m really looking forward to my new life! It will be so much fun. Paula xo
Janet Camilleri says
I can’t think of anybody off the top of my head Paula – sorry! All the best with your new life π