Redundancies are all around us. It’s hard to pick up the news right now and not hear about another round of redundancies somewhere out there. So what can you do if your role is made redundant and as a result you are facing retrenchment? Firstly, draw that distinction – that is, roles can be made redundant but never people. You can, however, be retrenched. This is not just semantics but a critical first step in recalibrating your thinking in a way that is more helpful in developing a future orientation if the “R” word arises with your name on it.
There are a number of really practical things you can do, if retrenchment becomes a reality for you.
Below are 10 critical tips to keep in mind that will help you to deal with unexpected job loss in these circumstances:
- Keep opinions to yourself – totally resist sharing any negative feelings directly or indirectly, (e.g. social media) that you may have with others about your previous employer or the retrenchment process. This is a chance for you to stay professional and demonstrate how you can manage change. Above all, remember you will need a reference!
- Steer clear of recruiters, prospective employers and network connections if you are upset or angry about being retrenched until you have settled down from the event and can communicate a positive view of your past and future.
- Resist any temptation to broadcast your resume all over the market. Your approach to the employment market needs be systematic and targeted. Your resume should be treated like gold and only sent to those organisations or individuals you have assessed as fitting your key job search criteria. Your resume bouncing indiscriminately around the market will not help your cause.
- Develop a succinct, clear and unambiguous message about why you left your previous employer e.g. “I thoroughly enjoyed my 5 years with XYZ Company, however, due to adverse market conditions the company was forced to restructure and made a number of roles redundant, one of which was mine”. Be careful not to embellish or waffle and above all resist any temptation to explicitly or implicitly convey any criticism of your previous employer or the retrenchment process.
- Avoid making big decisions at this time (if you can avoid it) particularly financial ones. In fact, if you don’t have a financial advisor then seek one out. Most will provide a complementary first consultation free, but don’t assume this and make sure you check first if any fees will be charged.
- Family & friends will want to help – family and friends can be great source of comfort and help during these times so let them even it’s just an ear to bend. Non judgemental and overall good listeners can be hard to find so if you have them in your range, avail yourself of their company and wisdom. That said, the converse can also be true – try to avoid negative unhelpful people who stir unhelpful feelings in you and choose to reconnect when you’re more settled in your career direction and next steps.
- Stay fit – you will find that making sure that you are eating and sleeping properly will help. If you are having trouble doing either seek professional help, your GP is a good place to start. Similarly, exercising is known to be a great way to relieve feelings of stress whether that’s joining a gym or simply going for good walk or some other form of exercise you enjoy. You will find that this will help you to cope with the change process.
- Be kind to yourself – take time out to do something nice just for you that you really like doing but perhaps don’t get the time to do ordinarily. Remember, if you are seeking re-employment you will soon be fully focussed with a new job so take the opportunity to do things you otherwise would find hard to find the time for like completing a long overdue unfinished project.
- Be proactive – if you’re sitting at home waiting for the phone to ring you could be waiting a long time! You’ll be best served by helping others to help you. To do this you need to be sure about whom and what you would want others to help you with in regard to employment if that’s what you’re seeking. However, a cautionary note, be sure to remember Tip #2 – that is, don’t venture into the employment market until your are future-focussed, positive, clear minded and settled with regard to handling the ‘change’ journey. Simply put, if you’re motivated in the right direction then it is more likely that others will be more likely to be motivated to help you as well.
- Career choices not chances – if you have been provided outplacement assistance then be sure to make full use of it! This is a unique opportunity to reassess your career, plan the next steps in line with your career goals and plan the next stanza in your career. Career consultants are experts in career management and can help in number of ways. This includes assisting you to adjust to the change and in establishing realistic career options that will provide satisfaction combined with honing your job search skills to secure the targeted next step in your career. Importantly, they will help you with practical elements such as preparation of an impactful resume and interview skills. Remember, your career consultant’s sole mission is to be alongside you as a career coach to help you move toward your career goals. They will help you achieve success, as defined by you, simply and practicality in a supportive and confidential environment. If your employer doesn’t provide an outplacement program options, exist to acquire these services as an individual.
Retrenchment can be very unsettling but there is lots of support available. Moreover, many find it a positive experience and an opportunity to choose to take what may appear at first glance as adversity and turn it in proactive way to advance their career and enhance their satisfaction.
deliberatepractice are experts in career management services including outplacement and career transition. If you are an organisation or individual would like to discuss our services please call us on 1300 deliberate (1300 335 423) or email to info@deliberatepractice.com.au. You can also access further information, blogs and research on this topic by visiting our website www.deliberatepractice.com.au