Since launching the Felicity Factor I’ve spoken to many of you whom have been made redundant. This is what I am hearing. The purpose of this article is for you to understand that these feelings are completely normal, acceptable and understandable.

“The emotional rollercoaster started as soon as I learnt I might lose my job”

Shock. Sadness. Uncertainty. Especially if this is the first time you have been made redundant. You will probably start to worry about your finances. Start to get them in order. If you are going to get a payout find out how much it will be as soon as possible. If you can, start to take some positive actions like updating your resume and looking at the job market. If you are not in a good place to do this yet – then self care is your #1 priority.

“When I was formally told about my redundancy it was cold, scripted and delivered in a completely uncaring way”

It doesn’t matter who you talk to, it seems that no company gets this 100% right. Why it can’t be delivered in a more empathetic manner when you walk into ‘that room’ is something I want to get to the bottom of. My mission is to change the way corporates deliver this. Try not to take it personally. Others have probably just had the same treatment.

And if you feel like it, have a cry, go home and have a day off. For one of my redundancies, I was so distraught that I didn’t come back to the office at all. And for another I remember being so angry when I was told that I could go home I felt like throwing the computer at my boss!

Ok. I know you’re saying but what about all the work I have to do? You have to find some sort of balance now – for you. If you’re a contractor I know this is more difficult, so at least go for a walk, take breaks throughout the day – whatever you do – get out of the environment for some time.

“I was told it is about the role, not me. I don’t believe this right now”

In most circumstances this is absolutely the case. There are usually other people also rocking precariously in their own boats.

But – and I’ll share with you a personal story. If I had to be honest with myself, when I started going through menopause, my hormones went haywire, and I became overly passionate about almost everything. This did result in me being difficult to deal with. It took some time for me to realise that I missed out on a role with the restructure because of my hormonal behaviour. I had to reflect and reframe on specific situations, to understand and avoid that happening again. I even went back and apologised to some people.

“It feels like people are looking at me in a different way, and even avoiding me”

You know that one about asking people “Are you okay?” I mean, we even have an “Are you okay” day now. From my personal experience, this doesn’t seem to always apply. People unknowingly may act differently towards you. Find a couple of colleagues that you can talk to if possible. Find someone you know who has been made redundant before and have a chat to them.

“I don’t feel valued anymore”

This is a big one. In many cases you are still involved in projects, programs and your daily workload – and it is hard to understand why you would lose your role when you still have so much to do.

Remember, most of the time, it really is about the role, and nothing to do with you. Your work has always, and importantly always will be valued.

“I feel like I have lost my identity and purpose”

I have been surprised at just how many of us place so much of who we are in our jobs. Our employers are so very lucky to have such highly engaged people working for their brand. Our roles can often bring to us a higher purpose in life, and we sink our soul into what we do daily. It’s time to think about what else motivates and drives us – and spend some time doing that instead.

“I feel shocked, sad, anxious, depressed and angry – and sometimes all in one day!”

Yup. I hear you. And if this is the case, it’s probably a good time to take some time for you, for your self care, for your well-being. If you need to seek professional help, and you can…then do that too.

Use this time to get you back to your best self, so when you are job searching this is whom you present to the marketplace, headhunters/recruiters and potential employers.

It took me about 3 months each time I was made redundant (and that’s 4 times now) to get back to my best self, after a very difficult time. This time I knew what to do, so I was in a good place from the get go.

I’m here to help…..

I’ve decided to help others who have been made redundant and are struggling. I am studying Positive Psychology, and am already helping people move from ‘sad & stuck’ to ‘hopeful & happy’ again. What I’m doing is working, rewarding and making a difference to people’s lives…

“I was definitely a bit ‘sad & stuck’ after many months of unemployment.

My session with Fe allowed me to offload a bit and begin to re-focus which lead me to a ‘ka-ching’ moment with thoughts about my career and what my elevator pitch should sound like.

Through re-framing and reflecting on my experience, I was able to put things in a better perspective.

It’s not a trite statement to say that even after one session with Fe, I was closer to

‘happy and hopeful’. Her support definitely helped me through the processes required to land my current job.

I look forward to working more with Fe“

I’d really love to help you, so reach out.

Email: fe@thefelicityfactor.com

#redundancy

#redundancycansuck

#redundancysupport