subject: 4 Action Steps To Ensure Redundancy Doesn't Drag You Down [print this page] Redundancies have occurred far and wide in recent times. It doesn't matter what industry you're in, you'll have heard of many people that have had to be let go by their companies. Here's some quick and easy advice for anyone who has recently been made unemployed, and who wants to get back on the ladder as soon as possible.
Beating Redundancy Tip 1. Understand that only a change of perspective lies between you, and a pro-active career-changing individual.
One important point to make about being made jobless, is that it puts you in the same boat as people who suddenly decide that their career is not for them, and decides to quite their job before securing another job. Both categories of people are jobless. However, while the 'quitter' feels pro-active, leadership, brave and positive about their future, someone who is newly unemployed will feel the opposite; Helpless, Out-of-Control and negative. This is a painful truth, because both individuals are truly in the same situation. This goes to show that perception has a massive part to play in your happiness during this period of transition.
Beating Redundancy Tip 2. Appreciate the temporary nature of your situation.
Never relax into a life of unemployment. Here's what usually happens:
a) Mrs A gets made redundant
b) Mrs A vows to find a job, and immediately visits job sites etc
c) Mrs A begins 'round 1' of job applications and interviews.
d) Mrs A either succeeds in reapplying for a job, or she fails round 1 - being unable to find somewhere that will take her on.
It's upon failing round 1 of job applications that there's the nature of getting comfortable with unemployment. Suddenly Mrs A's perspective changes, and instead of being the driving beacon of leadership in her career, she begins to appreciate the time she can spend with her family, and the lack of boss. If you ever let yourself slip into this lull, it will likely be several months before you find work again, rather than weeks.
Beating Redundancy Tip 3. Forget about your Pride.
What causes the most emotional hurt during the period of unemployment are the several knocks to your pride that you'll have to take. You'll be on a lower income compared to your friends than before, and you may have to turn down a few great social opportunities. You may also want to sign on for unemployment benefits, which you may have previously criticised others for living off. All in all, your pride won't be having a great time during this period. The sooner you can become comfortable with your new living standards, the better. If you have to be sour about it, at least use that passion to drive your productivity in applying for new jobs.
Beating Redundancy Tip 4. Lean on family before friends.
Often, unemployed people who used to rent an apartment (which they could no longer afford after moving out) tend to move into friends apartments. Due to the ongoing and unpredictable nature of unemployment, this could lead to a friendly welcome being disastrously outstayed, with a friendship practically in tatters. If you're desperate for a place to live, always ask your family before burdening friends with what could be a several-month long commitment.
