CareerOne’s redundancy survival tips

Being made redundant is usually a big shock.

Rumours could have been swirling around the office for weeks. All the signs could have been on the wall but we still only see what we want to see.

Client losses, or a lower Australian dollar sending business costs soaring, or a new technology roll out automating an entire department somehow seem unrelated to our futures until we are called together for “the talk” .

I have been made redundant twice and survived one once, so my advice is from the heart and based on experience.

The first time I was made redundant, the communication was woeful. At first management denied the rumours but eventually they revealed their plan. I actually asked for redundancy. Morale was so bad by that stage there was a stampede for the door.

The second time an entire news room was closed and it was a big shock. However, management handled communication very well and provided an outplacement service that was excellent. Both times I was just one of many people made redundant.

The third time I heard about the redundancy from security guards who had witnessed the late night and weekend management meetings. It was still a shock when it happened and I was teary when I had to tell my team. I stayed and suddenly was doing three times the work. Surviving is not all it’s cracked up to be. For a start, it’s lonely.

So now that we have established that we have all been in the same boat, here are my Top 10 Tips for surviving redundancy.

1 ““ Don’t take it personally

Many people who have been made redundant email me and say, “I thought I was doing really well in my job.” Redundancy is not about you not doing well, it is about your company and or industry sector not doing well. Or, as is the case right now, it’s about an entire global economy not doing well. It sure feels personal but it’s not. When I started writing about redundancies back in 2000, career experts used to say that the average person would be made redundant at least once if not twice in their professional life. You are in good company!

2. ““ Move through it ASAP

It is a shock and there will be anger and grieving but don’t get stuck in that mode. Share with colleagues, get the support of family and friends and if you are really sinking, then talk to your GP. Beware colleagues who do not want to move on ““ you might need to make the decision to move away from such friendships if they threaten to bring you down. Also, there is only so many times your spouse, family members and friends can hear a re-enactment of the dreaded moment that all was revealed at your former place of work or of all the things your former managers could have or should have done to save your job. It is time to move on.

3. – Make the most of outplacement services

Another reason for trying to process your feelings ASAP is so you can make the most of any outplacement services offered to you. If you are still in shock or stuck in anger mode, then you will not be paying full attention when you should be learning how to market yourself for the job hunt. Some people are cynical about outplacement but it is free and the providers are dedicated experts so make the most of your time with them.

4. ““ Think about upskilling

As you will have a little time on your hands and hopefully a little money as well, look at ways you can upskill. For example, many people teach themselves how to use a variety of software programs. Post redundancy is a good time to seek proper certification for these skills to better market yourself on the job hunt.

5. Don’t just jump at the next job

Take a breath and think about what you really want to do next. Don’t just rush to take any job. This is an opportunity to re-group and look at all the possibilities. After one of my redundancies I was offered a prestigious job that was really a wrong fit for me. I stuck it out for a year but the fit never improved. My next role was one I actively sought out and I am still in it!

6. Flexibility is key

Be prepared to take on a different style of work than what you are used to. Often after a redundancy people will turn down a great temporary role and stay out of work in the hope of landing the perfect permanent role. In this market, finding the right permanent job could take some time so get your head around the alternatives. While some employers are holding back on listing their permanent jobs right now, the number of casual and part-time work has increased. You might need to be flexible.

7. Review your skillset

Make a list of all your skills, attributes, education and training. See yourself in these terms rather than as a particular job role. This will further help you take advantage of a fast changing and more casual employment market.

8. Focus on your own race

Do not let headlines about other redundancies stop you looking for jobs online at CareerOne.com.au and in your local and metropolitan papers. The day you don’t look might be the day the right job is listed.

9. Information is power.

There is a tonne of information out there on redundancies and job hunting starting with the News & Advice section of CareerOne.com.au There is even a very good children’s book that explains what a parent goes through when made redundant ““ Downsized by Mike Dumbleton and illustrated by Jeff Jellett so there is no need to go through redundancy alone.

It is vital you let your network of friends, family, former colleagues, ex bosses and key information conduits in your neighbourhood know that you are back on the market. Some people feel shame attached to be made redundant and so withdraw socially just at a time when they need to do the opposite. Job leads can come from anywhere including local merchants, the family doctor’s receptionist, your boss from three jobs ago ““ anywhere.

10. Check your baggage

When the employment market slows, competition for jobs increases and the number of applications rises. The result is that too many employers and recruiters fail to maintain good communication. The fact you were made redundant coupled with not hearing back from an employer about a job application can make people furious ““ even bitter. Be careful not to take this anger into job interviews with you. There really is nothing wrong with saying you were made redundant when you are asked at a job interview why you left your last job. Just make sure it is not said through gritted teeth.

Reader tips

ZOD from Penrith, Western Sydney

“Having been through redundancy last year, it is a good point for people to contact Centerlink. Under new regulations people
getting redundancy payments are not able to collect Benefits, that’s ALL/ANY benefits until Centerlink considers they have spent a qualifying period equal in weeks to the amount of money they were paid out.

In my case this was over 10 months. Luckily I did not go on a mad spending spree. Most people think the time limit for benefits is the amount of Annual Leave they are paid out. But it is not.

Thought your readers might need this info.” Thanks ZOD, Kate.