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Coping With Change

Index

1. The psychological impact of redundancy

2. The emotional journey

3. How redundancy affects your routine

4. Practical tactics to manage the challenges

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1. The psychological impact of redundancy

Redundancy is a significant life event that can leave you feeling unanchored, both professionally and personally. It’s natural to experience a range of emotions and challenges, from shaken confidence to disrupted routines. However, understanding what to expect and how to manage these changes can help you emerge stronger and more focused.

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  • Self-identity: Work is often closely tied to how we see ourselves. Losing a job can make you question your value and purpose.

  • Confidence: The sudden loss of your role can lead to feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt.

  • Motivation: Without the structure of a job, it’s easy to feel aimless or unproductive.

  • Resilience: Redundancy can feel like a personal failure, which may test your ability to bounce back.

  • Positivity: The uncertainty of what comes next can overshadow optimism and hope for the future.

 

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2. The emotional journey

Redundancy often involves going through a grieving process similar to other significant losses:

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  • Shock and denial: Initial disbelief and an inability to accept what has happened.

  • Anger and frustration: Directed towards your employer, colleagues, or even yourself.

  • Fear and anxiety: Worries about financial stability, career prospects, and the future.

  • Bargaining: Seeking a way out of the situation through negotiation or other pressure.

  • Acceptance and adaptation: Gradually coming to terms with the change and focusing on next steps.

 

Recognising these emotions is the first step in managing them effectively. They are all perfectly normal and in some respects they are to be expected and embraced as a way of moving yourself forward. Navigating yourself through the various phases of the emotional roller coaster that is the redundancy process, allows you to come out the other side with a fresh and positive perspective.

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An explanation of the change curve and why you might experience certain reactions can be seen on YouTube by clicking HERE.

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3. How redundancy affects your routine

Work provides structure, and redundancy can disrupt your daily routines. Without the regularity of a job, you may:

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  • Struggle to maintain a healthy sleep schedule.

  • Neglect physical exercise or self-care.

  • Experience a lack of purpose or productivity during the day.

  • Revert to any bad habits or addictions you might previously have removed from your life.

 

Establishing new and productive routines is absolutely vital to maintaining a sense of normality and focus. (See Organising your Daily Activity resource).

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4. Practical tactics to manage the challenges

There will be many ways you can help yourself through this difficult period and what works for some people won't work for others. Try to understand what has worked for you in the past and if need be reach out to a medical practitioner if you feel you really need that sort of expert advice. The list below is therefore not exhaustive, however, is a good framework to follow.

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Rebuilding confidence and resilience

  • Acknowledge achievements: Create a list of your career accomplishments to remind yourself of your capabilities.

  • Seek feedback: Ask trusted former colleagues or mentors for input on your strengths and areas for improvement.

  • Celebrate small wins: Break down your career transition goals into achievable steps and celebrate all progress.

 

Maintaining a positive mindset

  • Reframe the situation: View redundancy as an opportunity to explore new paths or re-evaluate your goals.

  • Surround yourself with positivity: Connect with supportive friends, family, or networks. Stat connected to key people.

  • Practice gratitude: Keep a journal of things you are thankful for to shift focus from loss to possibility.

 

Establishing new routines

  • Create a daily schedule: Plan your day as though you were still working, including breaks, exercise, and learning opportunities.

  • Prioritise self-care: Dedicate time to activities that promote mental and physical well-being, such as meditation or yoga.

  • Volunteer or freelance: Stay active in your field by taking on short-term roles or helping causes you care about.

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Building motivation

  • Set clear goals: Define what you want to achieve in the short and long term.

  • Learn something new: Enrol in courses or attend workshops to develop new skills.

  • Create accountability: Share your goals with someone who can help you stay on track.

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Redundancy is undeniably challenging, but it also offers a chance for growth, reinvention, and new beginnings. By understanding its impact and taking proactive steps to manage the emotional, practical, and professional challenges, you can navigate this transition with confidence. 

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Work with me as your career coach so we can create a new way for you to process what you are going through and to find new ways of thinking. It really is better to discuss these issues rather than bottle them up. Between us we can find solutions that work for you and rediscover your passion and motivation so you can take the necessary steps forward with your life and career.

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An excellent YOUTUBE video covering a full explanation of the issues associated with lifes set backs and how to build a resilient approach can be found by clicking HERE.

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