Even if you have seen it coming, redundancy is often a shock. You may feel anger, disbelief, embarrassment, anxiety, guilt, or that you have been unfairly treated. It is important not to deny these feelings, which are perfectly normal. They can manifest themselves in different ways, such as tension, lethargy, irritability, apathy, anxiety, depression, loss of appetite or over-eating, excessive smoking, drinking or using non-prescription drugs.
For many people, work is more than just an income. It offers status, a daily routine and a sense of purpose, together with an interesting and challenging activity. This is a lot to lose. For some, social life can also revolve around work colleagues. Many people find it helpful to talk about their situation and find it a relief to share their feelings with colleagues, family and friends to cope emotionally and come to terms with what has happened.
You also need to have an understanding of the impact your feelings have on immediate family. Stress levels are likely to be high within the household and it’s helpful to think of ways to ease the strain for you and everyone around you.
People who have been made redundant say they find it helpful to establish a regular daily routine; get up as if you are going to work, get dressed and get down to your job of finding new paid employment. Having some structure to your day will help keep you positive and enable you to keep track of what you have done today and what you need to do tomorrow.
• Start the day off by getting up at the same time every day, even though you don’t have to go to the office.
• Eat sensibly and take regular exercise to ensure that you stay healthy. Regular exercise may prevent you getting depressed too – and it needn’t be expensive. Your exercise could include cycling, walking in the park or swimming. Most local authorities offer concessionary rates for unemployed people.
• Stay in touch with friends, colleagues and other people in your field through phone calls, emails, texts. Keep networking.
• Set aside regular time for job-hunting. Organise your search like a business project and try to take a couple of steps towards finding a job every day.
• Evaluate your skills and experience and tailor your applications accordingly. If you were employed at a senior level, consider whether you ought to lower your sights to obtain another job.
• Update your CV and review your interview techniques, particularly if you haven’t applied for a job in some years.
• Register with specialist recruitment agencies and look for jobs on the internet i.e. ICAEW website.
• Look at all of the options available to you. Have you considered setting up your own practice? Contact the ICAEW for advice.
• Do not lose touch; keep your skills up to date through voluntary work, reading or web information.
• Remember in all things it is important to have balance, so take breaks from job hunting to devote time to other aspects of your life.
The first thing to realise is that redundancy is not a sign of failure on your part and you are not alone. In the present economic climate the loss of employment are very real threats to people the world over. Fortunately CABA is on hand to offer support to ICAEW Chartered Accountants and their families who are facing difficult times.
© CABA 2011