Make Redundancy Your Lucky Break

The company’s downsizing and you’re suddenly out of a job. Sure, it’s a shock, but you can bounce back and use it to your advantage. Redundancy is a reality of modern working life. In a recent survey of 5 000 Australian workers by TMP Worldwide, 42 per cent said their employers had retrenched staff in the last six months. And more than 25 per cent said they were afraid of losing their jobs. Yes, its unnerving, confidence- shattering and something most people want to avoid. But have you thought that being made redundant could also be the best thing that ever happened to you? It’s true. Losing your job can be the catalyst you need to move your career on, or it can act as a springboard for you taking a whole new direction. "You can see redundancy as an opportunity", says career management consultant Olwyn Burgess. "And 99 per cent of people say that, with hindsight, taking stock and changing direction turns a negative into a positive".

If redundancy does happen to you or someone you know, here are some suggestions on how you can turn it into a positive experience…

Remember: It’s your job, not you

Its normal to be upset and you should be prepared for negative feelings. But take a reality check. You still have valuable skills and experience. Don’t harbour a grudge against your previous company or bad-mouth them. You might need a reference or end up working for a colleague in a new job.

Your consultant can assist you with preparing for the job market and may have the perfect permanent or temporary role to discuss with you. Your consultant is a great information source of what is happening in the current job market. If you do not have an established relationship with a consultant – ask friends who they suggest – this can save you a lot of wasted time.

You can always do temporary work in the interim until you find your next ideal position. This will ensure your skills are kept up to date and give you an opportunity to learn something new. You may find you enjoy temping so much that you can create a full time job out of it. Some temporary assignments do also lead into permanent offers. This is a great opportunity to "try before you buy" so to speak. Plus, if you take a role in a slightly different sector, it shows that you’re flexible, which is highly important to today’s employers.

Surround yourself with forward thinking proactive friends who wont let you focus on the past. You’ll need them for sympathy and they can even help in practical ways eg putting together your new CV. Often others can identify your abilities and achievements much better than you can.

Networking is an important career-management skill, and if you have an active network when you’re made redundant you have immediate access to opportunities.

Doing unpaid work is satisfying but it can also be useful in other ways. Volunteering gives you extra experience and you may find that some training is on offer aswell. People who volunteer often find themselves moving into unpaid employment with the organisation of their choice. Also, volunteer work keeps you busy, and in ‘work mode’.

Even though you’ll be spending a lot of time on your job search, this is a good chance to get fit. Use the extra time to go to the gym or for a walk. Get into good habits.

Be very wary of giving up your childcare. Don’t be panicked into economising straightaway on your child-minder or nanny. If someone offers you a short-term or contract position, they may want you to start immediately. You also need to be available when job interviews come up. You may also find that if you want to restart your childcare arrangements a few months down the line, it isn’t that easy.