Redundancy, Retrenchment, Downsizing and You’re Fired!
No matter how it’s phrased, losing your job is a difficult situation to face.
Losing your job may be a surprise or anticipated
If you’ve been forewarned so that the announcement is not a surprise, you have some time to prepare and plan for your future. Without warning however, it can be shocking and traumatic news to receive.
Of course, each situation is different. Some may welcome the opportunity to cash in on their years of service and try something different! More commonly, whispers of restructure/layoffs are utterly distressing and surprising.
If you are in the second group, it would be useful to be familiar with the typical stages of grief so that you know what to expect. These are the stages that people experience with any loss.
The stages of grief after losing your job
1. Shock / Denial (this can’t be happening!)
2. Pain / Guilt (the hurt hits you and is unbearable)
3. Anger / Bargaining (it’s all my fault! why me? and bargaining with God to change the situation)
4. Depression / Reflection (a period of sadness and reflection but an opportunity to consider the things to be grateful for)
5. The Upward Turn / Reconstruction / Acceptance / Hope (coming out of the sadness, solutions start to be considered, acceptance of your new reality and hope for the future).
The stages can be grouped in a few different ways, but are identifiable. Being able to predict them, will help you prevent situations like lashing out at loved ones in anger or using harmful substances to cope with your pain.
In amongst all of this, there are some positive actions you can take too.
Positive actions you can take after losing your job
For example, being active in your response will make you feel better than being passive. In preparation for obtaining a new job, you could be proactive by doing the following (not in any particular order):
· Review the job market in your field.
· Look at roles that are in demand.
· Consider if you want to switch careers.
· Do some retraining or learn a new skill that is in demand.
· Prepare your resume. Professional resume help may be available through your redundancy package.
· Brush up on your interviewing skills. Help with this may also may be part of your redundancy package.
· Take up any offers of outplacement therapy or coaching, or seek professional counselling services if you find that you can’t manage your emotions.
Keep healthy with adequate sleep, moderate exercise and diet. Talk to your family and friends, and continue your social activities. You will feel more positive if the other aspects of your life stay in control.
Finally, remember that there is no shame to having been retrenched. It’s happened to me and I see many resumes where people have left a job because they were made redundant. In fact, nowadays it’s becoming rare that people survive their careers totally unscathed.
Losing your job brings a lot of stress
No doubt about it, losing a job is a stressful life event, however, the way you respond to the news will often determine the impact and end result for you. As much as possible, keep your head up, try to stay optimistic, and see it as an opportunity. Sometimes adversity is the harbinger to something bigger and better. For a start, a new job can mean higher remuneration, which is a definite plus.
If you’re given fair notice before being let go, consider your options. Don’t hesitate if a great opportunity comes along, especially if you have not been with your current employer for long. Retrenchment benefits in this case are negligible and not worth the wait. Having continuity of employment is always a good thing to show in your resume.
Even as a longer term employee, being proactive and taking control of the situation is the best course to take. With mass retrenchments, waiting for a payout can put you at a disadvantage because everyone will be in competition during the job search. Remember also that a passive approach to job loss can impact negatively on your work attitude and feelings.
For anyone who’s been made redundant and feels they need some guidance, send a message to Maria Cordi, CIRCLE|Recruitment & HR’s Career Coach via the CIRCLE|Recruitment & HR office on 1300 923 000 to answer any questions you may have. Of course, Maria is also available to provide career coaching for job loss, job search and re-entering the workforce.
Important Note: These articles have been prepared for general circulation and are circulated for general informational purposes only; these articles should not be regarded as business or investment advice. The articles represent the views of the writers and are subject to change without notice. Additionally, while every care has been taken in the preparation of the articles no representation or warranty as to accuracy or completeness of any statement is given. An individual or organisation should, before any business or investment decision is made, consider the appropriateness of the information in this document, and seek professional advice, having regard to objectives, situation and needs. This document is solely for the use of the party to whom it is provided.
Maria,
Thank you for your article “How to deal with losing your job”. I have had a couple of redundancies over my employment time and I agree it’s not easy. My last one was in April 2018, I had been with the firm for 1 year, it was a group redundancy. So I took on temp roles from that time until the end of last year 2018. 2019 I obtained a permanent role but there was conflict with the boss so after one month he said we should call it quits. I took it badly. (at my age 63 it is hard). So at first I was very upset, angry, the lot. I just decided oh well it was his choice and it is his business after all. What made it worse was that I’d already started this job when I was offered a job where I had just temped, so I decined that role and now they are looking at other applicants. Anyway now in April I have been job searching again and once TAFE comes back from holidays I think I should do another course to upskill. I don’t like staying home as it can get depressing,I want to be earning my own money and be amongst nice people. So now i’ve just got to decide which course to do.
So Maria any other advice or help you can give me is much appreciated.
Kind regards
Carol Hunn
Hi Carol,
Thank you for your comment.
If we haven’t already, I’ll send your information directly to Maria so you and her can have a chat about how to move forward.
Kind Regards,
Zachary Bell – Marketing Assistant
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