Redundancy – a new beginning

Gathering economic gloom means that the spectre of redundancy is hovering over many. A recent survey found that thousands of small firms are closing their offices every month, while embattled banks shed 1000s in their fight to stay afloat.

Redundancy can occur for various reasons – new technology might make your job unnecessary, the company you work for could be closing down or merging, or simply there’s a need to cut costs.

Whatever the reason, you should be fairly treated by your employer and you may even be entitled to a redundancy payment, depending on how long you have been with the company.

Talk to your HR department, the Citizens Advice Bureau or even an employment law expert to find out your rights. Your employer may provide free careers guidance, or funding for further training.

The main thing to realise is that redundancy is not the end of the world. In fact, life coach Jessica McGregor Johnson says being made redundant can open the door to a whole new life.

“Moving out of a viable job is a hard decision to make but when it is made for you, you have the chance to assess how you really want to spend your time on earth,” she says.

“Do you love what you do? If the answer is ‘No’ you have been given a huge opportunity to make what could be the most important change in your life, so grab it with both hands.

being made redundant can open the door to a whole new life

“Look at your skills – the ones you like using not the ones you don’t – your interests and the values that are important to you in the context of your work. These could be enjoyment, having integrity, excitement, being challenged, being able to spend more time with your family, anything – and allow yourself to dream.”

If you struggle to come up with a new direction, McGregor Johnson suggests visiting a careers advisor, career change website or life coach.

“It saddens me that there are people out there who don’t enjoy their work, are pining for something else but believing they can’t achieve it and think work isn’t supposed to be enjoyable anyway. So if you did lose your job you may have gained the chance – perhaps cushioned by a redundancy package – to really make a life that makes your heart sing!”

For more advice on changing career and transforming life after redundancy go to www.careershifters.org.

McGregor Johnson offers a free introductory life coaching session to those wanting to make a change. Go to www.jessicamcgregorjohnson.com.