A Roadmap for Thriving Amidst Change and Embracing New Opportunities

Hey there, fellow explorers of life's twists and turns! Today, we're diving headfirst into a topic that many of us may face at some point in our careers: redundancy. It might feel like you've been handed a one-way ticket to uncertainty, but fear not, my friends! Let's map out a plan and discover the opportunities that lie ahead.

Embrace the Emotional Rollercoaster

First things first, redundancy can be emotionally taxing. It's okay to feel a mix of emotions – from shock and sadness to anger and confusion. Give yourself permission to process these feelings. Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist if you need a sounding board. Remember, it's a rollercoaster, but you've got a sturdy seatbelt. Take time to process and reflect on what you had enjoyed about your previous roles but also points of difference you are hoping for in the future.

Financial Housekeeping

Let's talk finances. Create a budget to manage your expenses during this transition. It's also a good time to review your financial goals and make any necessary adjustments. If you have severance pay or a redundancy package, use it wisely. Money and the fear of the unknown are almost always the most stressful parts. Once you have a clear understanding of your financial situation, you should be able to understand exactly how much time you have to secure your next role before things get tight. This clarity will help you avoid jumping into the first role you find and rather than waiting for a role that will keep you engaged and fulfilled for years to come. It also allows you to set expectations about when you'd like to start your next role to give you time to explore your options.

Update Your Professional Arsenal

Now that you've had some time to process, let's get practical. Dust off that resume and update it with your latest accomplishments (Sourcey has a blog on how to structure your CV and what to include). Refresh your LinkedIn profile, including experience and projects, connect with industry peers, and join relevant groups. Investing in personal branding can open doors you didn't even know existed.

Seek Professional Guidance

Don't hesitate to seek advice from career counselors or recruiters. Speak with multiple colleagues and even past managers to ask which recruiters they have worked with and who they’d recommend reaching out to. Recruiters admittedly have mixed reputations, so it's important to work with one that you trust and feel is genuinely seeking to understand what you want from your next role. Recruiters often are aware of companies' needs before they start to advertise, and good ones may open the door before the role becomes available to the broader industry. Avoid working with multiple agents where possible. A recruiter will work much harder to assist you if they know that they are able to invest time in finding the right role for you rather than it being a race.

Explore New Horizons

Sometimes redundancy can be a blessing in disguise, leading you to uncharted territories. Drop your preconceived ideas of companies' reputations and meet with businesses. Everyone’s experiences and journeys with a company are different; don’t let someone else’s journey dictate yours. Be open to different job roles, industries, and companies. Your skills are your compass, and there are numerous paths to success.

Network, Network, Network!

In the digital age, networking has never been more accessible. Attend virtual events, reach out to old colleagues, and use social media to connect with professionals in your field. Work with your recruiter in this process so that you don’t step on each other's toes. You never know who might have the perfect lead for your next adventure.

Stay Positive and Persistent

Last but not least, maintain a positive mindset and stay persistent. The journey may have some twists and turns, but remember that each challenge brings an opportunity to grow and learn.

Redundancy may close one door, but it also opens another. So, put on your explorer's hat and venture forth into this new chapter of your career journey. The path may be uncertain, but the possibilities are endless.

Who knows? The best is yet to come!