Connect and Re-connect

Think about all those times that you wished you’d spent more time with colleagues, friends & family while you were working, working and working. Of the invites for a quick lunch that you didn’t join (because of work), the phone calls you never made to your friends and family after work (because you had been in meetings all day, and didn’t want to talk anymore), the coffee chats that you see people having that you rarely had (because you had too much work).

Now is the time to do all that!

You need to prioritise you and your wellbeing, not your workload

I know, you probably don’t feel like it much if you’re on the emotional rollercoaster of redundancy, but connecting and re-connecting with family and friends will boost your mood, deliver to you some positive emotions and generally make you a whole lot happier.

Start with your current colleagues

You may still have a whole lot of work to do (which is another reason you can’t understand why you’ve been made redundant), and there may be some work colleagues that seem to be avoiding you since you’ve been made redundant (I still can’t work out why this happens) – both of which are getting you down. But find ones that will talk to you. Work colleagues usually understand your situation best. Who else has been made redundant? Are there others whom have been through a redundancy previously in their lives? If you are on the emotional roller coaster of redundancy, I found it really helped me to talk to people who had also found it difficult after losing their job in a previous life, and it also reminds you that they have come out on top, in the end.

One of the best things that has come out of my most recent redundancy is that a few of us from our Leadership team have become real buddies. Us chicks have created a special bond; we catch up, we talk with no subject barred from conversation (pretty much), and we have a laugh together (ok, so we have some wine too sometimes…most times)!

Write that list and reach out to your old colleagues – it could just be the start of your networking…….

Think about whom you used to work with and would like to connect with again. Look, I took the time out to do this and found I had a whole lot more support than I thought. It was just wonderful to catch up with them over coffees, breakfasts & lunches. Reminiscing with them may also remind you of what you are good at – which is what happened with me – and is important right now.

And….it could just be the start of your networking for your next role…

Invite people for a coffee….oh hell…..take that hour for lunch for a change!

Your friends – re-connect with the old ones too……..

There will be friends that you can lean on (I hope), friends that can make you laugh a little, and friends that will do things for you and with you. It’s important that you connect with all 3 types – and if there is one person that can do all that – even better – you are lucky indeed!

Many of our friends may be doing similar jobs, so they can better understand your situation.

Write a list of friends that you wished you’d kept in contact with – and connect with them again. Social media makes this so easy these days. Honestly, even if you feel guilty about leaving it for a while (alright even more than a while!). They’ll probably be delighted to connect with you again. For me this has brought some truly heartwarming experiences. I even re-connected with the girl I travelled through East Africa with some 30 years ago – it’s been a blast!

Your family – manage expectations

Sometimes your family may not truly understand what you do at work. I have found this to be quite common when I talk to someone who has been made redundant. So you need to communicate with them on where you are at, so you manage their expectations of you.

You know the old adage that it’s usually those closest to us who miss out. Do you have any older family members that may, or may not be around in the next 5 years? Spend some time with them.

And after you’ve walked out the door, it just may be time to enjoy those birthday parties, the shlepping around in the car for sports and everything else. For the younger ones, reading that book at night may now mean you don’t fall asleep reading it – which is what I used to do with my daughter!

Still not sure? Here are some statistics in support:

• • Individuals who maintain strong social connections after a job redundancy are more likely to cope better with the emotional and psychological stress associated with job loss. (Source: Research by Adams, 2016)

• • A supportive social network can reduce the risk of developing symptoms of depression and anxiety following a job redundancy. (Source: Research by McKee-Ryan et al., 2005)

• • People with extensive social networks tend to have shorter periods of unemployment after a job loss. They may receive job leads, referrals, and support in their job search efforts. (Source: Research by Granovetter, 1974)

• • Networking through social connections can lead to a higher likelihood of finding a new job that matches one’s skills and interests. (Source: Research by Burt, 2004)

• • Maintaining social connections can help individuals maintain a sense of self-worth and belonging during a period of job loss and transition. (Source: Research by Thoits, 2011)

• • Friends and family can provide emotional support and encouragement, which can boost self-confidence and motivation during a job search. (Source: Research by Lin, 1986)

• • Informal social networks may offer opportunities for temporary or freelance work, helping individuals bridge financial gaps. (Source: Research by Fernandez-Mateo & Hoeffler, 2019)

• • Networking within social circles can expose individuals to new perspectives and opportunities for skill development or career change, potentially leading to more fulfilling roles. (Source: Research by Ibarra, 1993)

• • Sharing experiences and insights with peers can aid in adapting to changes in the job market and industries. (Source: Research by Lave & Wenger, 1991)

#Redundancy #Redundancycansuck! #Socialconnectionsmakeadifference What is Redundancy?