HOW TO MOVE FORWARD AFTER REDUNDANCY

Redundancy can happen to you. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in your job or how good you are at it. If there’s an industry downturn or a company restructure, there may simply no longer be a role for you. And that can be tough to take, even though your performance is not to blame.

Here’s how to move forward after redundancy.

Think positive

Redundancy can trigger a range of emotions, including surprise, anger, fear and denial. It’s important not to let these overwhelm you. Instead, try to think positive. Reframe your redundancy as an opportunity to do something else, or something new.

Take your time

Don’t go all out to secure a new role immediately. Instead, take a step back and think about what you really want to do next. What are you good at? Where would you like to be based? Do you want to stay in the same industry? Ask yourself a few key questions and reflect on your answers.

Do something special

Take a mini break. Chances are you’ve got a passion project that you’ve never had time for. Well, now could be that time. So, go on a one-week sailing course, walk the Larapinta Trail, or dig up your backyard.

Weigh up your financial situation

Of course, you’ll want to calculate how long you can manage without working. You might want to secure a temporary or part-time role while you think about next steps. You could also look into government supports that may be available to you.

Consider upskilling

If you don’t have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience for your next career step, consider upskilling. There are some good courses out there, short and long, part-time and full-time. A career coach might be a good sounding board for your plans.

Update your resume

Not everyone has a recent resume ready to go, and that’s not a reason to panic. There are plenty of tips and templates online .And if you’re finding it tricky to craft a document that reflects your skills and experience, approach a professional resume writer for assistance.

Stay connected

Reach out to your personal and professional contacts on Facebook, LinkedIn and in person. Let them know you’re looking for a new role. Someone you worked with 10 years ago may know of just the job for you. You could also register with a couple of recruitment agencies in your field of specialisation.

Look at redundancy as the start of an exciting new chapter in your career journey. By reframing it as a positive, you’ll be moving forward rather than back.

If you’re looking for a new role, contact our professional team today on info@optimalrecruitment.com.au or 02 8416 4181.