If you’ve been made redundant, you’re either in shock, or it was expected. Regardless, you’re faced with one of life’s most difficult setbacks. It can happen at any age and any stage of your career. It’s often a shocking and upsetting experience. But you can feel more confident after being made redundant, especially if you think of it as a forced fresh start!

Like they say when one door closes – jump out the window! Okay, so they say another door opens, but it’s more fun to jump out of the windows! But seriously, your state of mind makes all the difference when faced with adversity, so try to stay positive with our seven survival tips!

What is Redundancy?

According to Fair Work Australia, redundancy is defined as being genuine when:

• Your job doesn’t need to be done by anyone
• Your employer followed any consultation requirements in the award, enterprise agreement or other registered agreement

Why Were You Made Redundant?

Fair Work Australia states that redundancy occurs when an employer either:

• Doesn’t need the job to be done by anyone, or
• Becomes insolvent or bankrupt

A redundancy is likely to occur when a business:

• Introduces new technology (a job can be done by a machine)
• Slows down due to lower sales or production
• Closes down
• Relocates interstate or overseas
• Restructures or reorganizes due to a merger or takeover

You’re Not Alone

Redundancy is normal and will not impact finding another job, so don’t shy away from it. You can write that your job ended due to the position being made redundant. According to the employment website SEEK, more than 1 in 4 Australians (26%) have had their role made redundant at some point in their working lives. Further, at least half of us know someone who has been made redundant or impacted ourselves. And keep in mind this data was taken before the pandemic, which has seen global redundancy rates skyrocketing. So, you’re certainly not alone.

How to Recover from Redundancy

While it might feel overwhelming at first, you can recover from redundancy and find a more rewarding job. Through keeping a positive attitude and being organized, you’ll soon be over this hurdle and onto your next challenge. So, you’ve been made redundant. What’s next? We’ve put together seven important tips to help you get back up after the shock of redundancy.

1. Get the language right

Be aware of how you talk about your experience. Instead of saying ‘I was made redundant, which has negative connotations, say ‘my role was made redundant. It helps to separate yourself from what has happened. You shouldn’t take it personally because redundancy does not reflect your work ethic or ability to do your job. It’s simply that the job no longer exists. You do, and you’ll most likely go on to bigger and better things after redundancy.

2. Organise your finances

When faced with redundancy, one of the most overwhelming feelings is about personal finances. You should make a budget of your living expenses and determine how to manage essential expenses. If you have a mortgage, talk to your bank. They are often helpful in arranging to put repayments on hold when you’re in a financial crisis. We saw how banks responded during the pandemic, and a personal financial situation is no different. You should also contact the Department of Human Services to see if you’re entitled to any benefits while you search for your next job.

3. Consider taking on temporary work

Don’t rush into a job because you feel stressed about being made redundant. If you need to get back on track financially, consider taking on freelance or contract work until you’re sure about your next permanent move. Finding this type of work allows you to structure your week, maintain motivation and gain financially while also providing breathing space to think. If you don’t find temporary work straight away, that’s okay too. Take time to process what’s happened, and if you feel you need to stay busy, volunteer your services to a community group or organization.

4. Reflect on your career direction

Were you happy in your last job? If not, consider changing directions in your career. Now’s an excellent opportunity to follow a passion, start a business, or study for a dream job. If you’re not sure about your new direction, you don’t have to spend a fortune on education to find out. Consider short, professional development courses in the area you’re interested in before diving into a higher education degree.

5. Banish negative feelings

An adverse event can have you spiralling into a negative headspace, which won’t help your mental health. Make sure you plan your day and include time for exercise, fresh air, healthy eating and self-reflection. If you need some professional help, reach out to your GP to refer you to a mental health professional. Talking about your experience will help you process what’s happened and move into a more healthy state of mind. Remember, you’re not alone – and you’ll be back on your feet again in no time. 

6. Work on your resume

This is an ideal time to dust off your resume and make it shine. Spend time updating your work history, education and referees. Ask your last manager if they’d be a referee. Better yet, ask for a written letter of recommendation. You should also update your LinkedIn and let your contacts know you’re looking for work (in fact, put out a message on all social channels – friends can give the best recommendations!).

7. Stay connected to your tribe (or make new connections)

It can feel isolating to be made redundant, especially if all your family and friends are working. It’s important to reach out to people who will help you emotionally. Make plans to catch up for dinner or during their work lunch for a bite to eat. If you’re feeling adventurous, now’s a great time to join a group fitness class (even a free Parkrun) or start a new hobby and expand your social network. Be brave – it will make you stronger!

Being made redundant isn’t easy but stay the course, and you’ll be back working in no time. Research shows that 60 per cent of Australians made redundant find another job within two months. But don’t despair if you’re in the 40 per cent that takes a little longer. It just means you’ll have more time to consider your options.

Discover hundreds of online professional development courses today – it might open your eyes to a new direction you didn’t see coming!