7 Positive Aspects of Redundancy ...

Okay, so a lot of people hate their jobs. And a lot of people would never actually quit, regardless of how much pressure was on them, because quitting a job is hard. Therefore, redundancy can be a blessing in disguise if it helps you leave a job that you hate, and find something that makes you feel alive. You don’t need to make a bold decision or a big announcement to leave; you can just roll with the punches and end up somewhere great. This is one of the positive aspects of redundancy that is really worth considering.

Most people worry about money once they’ve been made redundant, because it can feel like your financial security has suddenly disappeared. It can be a great time to reevaluate yourself and what you are worth, though, and it gives you a clean slate to negotiate with new employers and be paid what you actually deserve. Work out your boundaries, and find a great company that meets them. It could be the best financial thing that’s ever happened to you.

You might have felt like crying when you were told, or actually had a sob, but at least you aren’t still waiting with that impending sense of doom. Companies that are about to make redundancies tend to be gloomy and tense, with nobody knowing who they can trust, or where the axe will fall. At least now you know where you stand, and can start planning for a future without worrying if you are next.

Being made redundant will have no negative effects on your career. You can honestly explain that your company was restructuring, taken over or struggled during the recession, and any new employer will understand that these things are beyond your control. Meaning you can play up the great experience you’ve got, without needing to say that you left, or you were fired.

There’s a whole community of professionals who have been made redundant, or are threatened with redundancy, and are changing their lives. Whether it’s a new career plan, deciding to start a family or moving countries, being made redundant gives you an excellent opportunity to make sure that you are on the right path, and there’s plenty of support around to help you make big decisions. With a wealth of books and people, you’ll have more than enough information to properly reflect on your life so far.

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when you are in a job. You can’t develop skills that are outside of your roll, and additional training is usually off the table far before redundancies are made. You probably feel like you’ve stagnated for a while. Being made redundant offers you a chance to decide if you’d like to go back to college, to join a certain type of country, or if getting trained to a certain level is essential. Then you can pick a company and a job that can meet your needs, and develop you further. Win/win.

One of the most forgotten positive aspects of redundancy is that it will push you far out of your comfort zone. You’ll need to think about what you want to do next, apply for jobs, and generally be bolder than you’ve been in recent years. It’s also a great opportunity to reconnect with contacts and nurture your address book.

Of course, it might take a few days before you can fully appreciate the positive aspects of redundancy. And you’d be forgiven for having a cry, grieving for the job you thought you had, and being a bit afraid of the future. But once you’ve eaten the ice-cream and used the tissues, it’s time to get back up and get fighting! What’s your best tip for coping with redundancy? I’d love to hear it!