Just about everyone I know either knows someone who has been made redundant or has experienced it themselves.
The prospect of such change can be very daunting for some people and many people face leaving their jobs, not knowing what it is they will do or even what it is that they want to do.
Some people facing redundancy go through a process of grieving. This can be more so if you have worked in the same organisation for a very long time.
Some people take it very personal that the organisation that they have been loyal to and committed to for many years, no longer wants them. However, remember, it is not personal and is usually linked to cost effectiveness or restructuring.
Not only is your financial status affected, it can also feel as if you have lost your identity and purpose when you lose your job.
I had worked for the same organisation for over 25 years when I took voluntary redundancy in 2011. I remember shortly after I finished work and before I set up my coaching practice, being asked what I did for a living. I hesitated before responding and it initially felt like a part of my identity was lost. However, I knew I was at the start of an exciting new journey and that initial feeling of loss soon passed.
How you embrace this change will determine the outcome of your situation. Nothing stays the same forever and change is inevitable. Change is more readily acceptable if we feel we are in control. If it is outside our control, there is more likely to be feelings of fear and hostility, particularly because we are facing the unknown. If you view this change with a positive outlook, it will be easier for you to accept and move on.
Allow yourself to go through the grieving process but do not dwell in it. Yes,for some this may seem easier said than done. However, this change is happening and there is nothing you can do about it. You can either waste a lot of energy worrying about something you cannot change and in doing so, bring yourself (and those around you) down, or you can channel that energy positively and look at the opportunities that could arise as a result of this significant change to your life.
It may mean that your financial position will be very tight until you get a new job and you will need to adjust your financial expenditure accordingly. If this is a major concern from you, get advice from an independent financial adviser or a reputable money advice service.
Aleka Gutzmore, Independent Financial Adviser of http://www.mylifechoices.co.uk/ helps many women who are going through redundancy and recommends that those who are worrying about redundancy make sure they have a financial protection plan in place.
You are the only person who can make a difference in your life. Other people can contribute but at the end of the day it is up to you.
Now could be the opportunity for you to set up that business idea you have had but never had the courage to get off the ground. There have been many successful companies that started during a recession including Apple, CNN, and Burger King.
Latest data from the Office forNational Statistics show that 367,000 more people were self-employed in 2012 than in 2008. This is a rise of 10%.
This could be the time for you to pursue your passion. It may require you retraining or doing voluntary work in order to get the experience you need.
Redundancy can be the dawning of a new beginning. Take your redundancy as an opportunity to reinvent yourself and pursue a new journey in your life.
For those of you facing job loss, restructuring or who are considering making a career change but are feeling a bit wary about it, contact Carol here to increase your confidence about the change and put together your career change action plan.
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