Coping with redundancy

Being made redundant can be very stressful, but it can also be an opportunity to re-train, gain new skills and explore work opportunities in different industries. If you’re faced with redundancy, there are a number of decisions you’ll need to make.

Dealing with redundancy

Being made redundant can be a shock but try not to rush into any hasty decisions. The following tips will help you deal with the situation:

  • keep calm
  • stay positive, see redundancy as an opportunity for change
  • focus on moving on, rather than looking back
  • take stock of your situation and look at your options
  • get advice from professional advisers
  • talk to your friends and family
  • don’t take it personally, the job has been made redundant, not you
  • don’t panic and make rash decisions

Your options

When facing redundancy you need to consider the options open to you. You can:

  • look for a job
  • return to study to update your skills or qualifications through community education, distance learning, higher education or part-time study
  • change career
  • work flexible hours, part-time, shift work, job sharing or work from home
  • work for yourself, self employed, freelance, or franchised
  • volunteer to gain useful experience
  • move to a new area to find work,including working abroad

To discuss your options talk to a careers adviser who can offer you free, impartial careers information, advice and guidance to help you to make the right decision.

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