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Career Research Handling Redundancy

Redundancy is always a big blow, especially when it isn’t expected. But even when we know it’s coming it can still be overwhelming. The way we respond to redundancy is what makes all the difference. Notice the word "respond" and not "react."

When we react to a situation we act in opposition to it. The situation acts first, then we re-act, or fight back. We are then merely acting in self-defense. This gives the situation the upper hand, and places us at a disadvantage. On the other hand, when we respond to a situation, we are presented with a problem and we act to provide the answer. A response is an answer.

So here we have two options, to fight back at redundancy or to find and provide our unique correct answer to it. I say, our unique correct answer because there is no one correct answer for everyone. My correct answer to redundancy may differ from yours. For me it could be to start the business I’ve always dreamed of. For someone else who is of retirement age, it could be to move to the country and get involved with her favourite charity. In both cases, we are responding, not reacting. It takes a lot of searching to find your unique career options and correct response. Some people already have it by the time they are notified of redundancy. My clients are people who don’t know what to do, and need the clarity and focus that I help to provide.

I’d like to share with you 5 feelings people usually have in reaction to redundancy. They are perfectly understandable. I am not condemning you if you feel any of these. However, they are an expression of you fighting back, and if this is all you do, redundancy will be a rock of stumbling rather than a stepping stone.

5 common reactions to redundancy:

(1)Shock and denial – You think, "This can’t be happening to me. There must have been some mistake. I know that any minute I’ll get a letter saying it was all a regretted error". In other words, you bury your head in the sand and hope it all goes away! With your head down there, it won’t go away. In fact, if you don’t come to terms with the situation, it will most likely get worse. You still have bills to pay and a life to live, remember? So come on out of the sand and let’s find the way forward!

(2)Loss and emptiness – You’ve lost something that has been a part of your life for a long time, that has given you security and self-confidence. Now you find your confidence vanishing and you feel quite insecure. You think, "Will I ever get another job as good as this one? Am I finished forever? Aren’t I too old to start again?" Good news: you can start again. This too shall pass!

(3)Guilt and self-doubt – You are convinced you must have done something wrong or failed to do something right. You can’t be all that good if the company is willing to let you go, right? Wrong! Remember, you are being made redundant, not fired! And it is jobs that are made redundant, not people!

(4)Anger and bitterness – You hate your boss. You knew s/he had it in for you. And you hate the stupid company. And all those smug faced colleagues of yours who didn’t get the axe. Anger and bitterness are two destructive emotions that becloud judgment and do physical harm. You certainly need your health and good judgment as you chart the way forward. Besides, it would do you good not to take redundancy personal. This way, you focus on moving forward instead of getting even!

(5)Grief and sadness – You spend all your energy focusing on what you’ve "lost," or "what might have been." A little grieving could be healthy, but there comes a time to shake the dust off and move forward. So don’t grieve for too long. Unless you plan on a career as a professional mourner!

Now there are other ways beside these, that people react to redundancy. On the whole, reaction is not constructive. It holds you in the past rather than preparing you for the bright future that you definitely can have.

Now here are 5 ways to respond to redundancy.

(1)Taking time out to be thankful for what you gained in your last role – training, experience (even if only how to get on with rotten colleagues or clients!), any great colleagues and/or bosses, a profitable network e.t.c. And also, taking time out for inward searching, to decide what’s next for YOU. Not what others say you ought to do.

(2)Do some Career Assessment for example a personal SWOT analysis. Take an inventory of all your strengths – skills, qualifications, experiences, and the opportunities out there that you can exploit via these. Do another inventory of any weaknesses you think you may have, where other job candidates or business competitors could have an advantage over you. The purpose of listing these weaknesses is to find out where you need to work on yourself. Many can be turned to strengths. And where there is just nothing you can do, then you can overshadow this with an overwhelming strength!  (Check out a free online career inventory here)

(3)Analyze what you liked or disliked from the past. Make a note of all the things you enjoyed and want more of, and those things you don’t want to carry forward, that no longer serve you well. E.g. you enjoyed the training opportunities and travel in your last role and you’d like this in the next one. You did not like the long hours and working weekends and you now want to spend more time with your family, or hobbies. Taking this step will help you gain clarity and focus about what is right for you, and the next direction to take.

(4)Career planning and strategy. It may serve you well to seek external help. A career counselor or career coach may be able to help you chart the way forward in your career. They could help you build interview skills and prepare a better-selling CV . A life coach could help you handle your personal conflicts and confusions, build confidence and self-esteem for handling interviews and job search, or help you decide if self-employment is for you.

(5)Personal and career development. Now is a good time to enhance your performance with some learning. This could be professional or personal. Your SWOT analysis may have revealed needed action points. In my practice I work with clients on their personal development, such as in confidence and self-esteem building, and improving productivity. Make it a habit to always keep sharpening your saw. This way, you enhance your competitive advantage.

Whatever you decide for yourself – another job, a career change, to start a business, stay-at-home parenting, retirement, whatever – I recommend a responsive approach rather than a reactive one. Responding works well for any path you choose. Reaction serves none.

Copyright 2009 Oma Edoja

Author: Oma Edoja

Oma Edoja is a Career and Life Coach. If you were encouraged by this article please visit Oma’s blog http://turnaroundresources.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Oma_Edoja

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