Redundancy: Six ways to pick yourself up after being let go

The immediate period after redundancy is always hard, you will have days filled with optimism and productivity about seeking new opportunities, but you’ll also feel yourself plunged into feelings of despair and rejection.

You are good enough

You are good enough; we have just suffered an obstacle in the road that we can overcome with a bit of time. Redundancy does not happen because you’re rubbish at your job, you’d be fired if you were, but there’s no denying that things can feel shit as the reality of unemployment sets in.

You are okay to feel:

• Rejected
• Upset
• Angry
• Disposable

Redundancy and being a mum

Although I have experienced redundancy before (a swift boot out the door with no notice and a couple of weeks pay, against the consultation process I have experienced this time), my needs are now different.

Before becoming a mum, I would just have a day or two of feeling rubbish and mending my Leo pride, but the opportunities for a full-time marketer were prosperous and I was snapped up quickly by a new employer.

Now as a mum finding work that promotes flexibility and/or part-time hours (not to mention during a global pandemic) is a struggle unless I want a job in retail. For marketing roles, it’s full-time or no time it seems.  

Of course, my plan now is to pursue a freelance career to offer my content writing services and I am currently taking time to set myself up. Despite the cloud of gloom hanging over my head, I do think this new direction will be good for me and my family once I get going.

Work is still important to me

I left my last role amicably and was commended for my professionalism during the redundancy process but really, I am very fucking angry.

I am angry at being redundant, I am angry at being made redundant during a pandemic, I am angry at feeling like mums are punished in the workplace because our job no longer takes center stage in our lives.  

Before finishing maternity leave earlier in the year and preparing to return to the office, going back to work filled me with dread because I was so consumed in my son, I could not remember doing anything else.

But I am more than a mum. I need my working life to keep me balanced and my feelings of self- worth afloat.

Tips for coping with redundancy

The world is looking bleak right now due to Covid-19 taking grip, and we need to accept this might not improve for a while yet. But if you’ve been made redundant here are some tips for how to cope:

• Take some time out: I know work pays the bills, but you need to give yourself a day or two (if not longer) to heal, do some self-care and pick yourself back up.
• Reflect on what you want/need: Now is an ideal time to reflect on life and decide if you want to take a slightly new direction or keeping pursuing the path you were on. There’s no point going after a similar role in a new company if actually it’s not what you want anymore
• Update your CV: Add those new skills learnt from your last role, update your personal summary to show your strengths and career goals, and get it ready for landing in inboxes
• Reach out to your network on LinkedIn: That’s why you’re on there so update your status and/or reach out to some specific contacts to let them know you’re available and if they know of any suitable opportunities
• LinkedIn recommendations: While you’re reaching out to your network, ask for some recommendations if you haven’t already got some from existing colleagues
• Register on job boards, and with local recruiters: Job hunting is rarely an easy process but get yourself and your updated CV out there, set up email alerts for roles so you don’t miss anything new, and begin some conversations.

Please remember that you’re good enough and redundancy will be a temporary set back if you’re proactive about mending your situation. Something better may be waiting for you!

There’s a ton of extra help and support out there like Mind, if you’re struggling. Please don’t suffer in silence.

Good luck darlings x