A Guide to Surviving Redundancy

Redundancy can be a difficult and unexpected experience, especially in the fast-paced and ever-changing world of technology. If you have recently been impacted by redundancies in the tech sector, it is important to take the time to reflect on your core skills and consider whether a career change is the right choice for you. In this article, we will explore the change curve, approaches to identifying core skills, and tips for surviving redundancy and deciding whether a career change is the next step.

Understanding the Change Curve / Kola Grief Curve

The Change Curve also known as the Kola Grief Curve, is a model that describes the emotional stages that individuals go through when faced with significant change. These stages include shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, testing, and acceptance. It is important to understand that everyone will go through these stages at their own pace and in their own way and how to use your understanding of how you are reacting to your personal circumstances to surviving  redundancy.

Dealing with redundancy can be a difficult and emotionally taxing experience. Losing your job can be a significant blow to your self-esteem, identity, and sense of security. The emotional rollercoaster that comes with redundancy can be overwhelming, and understanding your emotions can help you manage the process more effectively. The Kola grief curve is a model that can help you understand the stages of grief that you may experience when dealing with and surviving  redundancy.

The Kola curve consists of five stages:

Shock and denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Let’s take a closer look at each stage and how they relate to redundancy:

1. Shock and denial: When you first learn that you are facing redundancy, you may feel shock and disbelief. You may struggle to accept the reality of the situation and may even try to convince yourself that it’s not happening. This stage is a natural reaction to a sudden change and can be overwhelming.
2. Anger: Once you have processed the initial shock, you may feel angry. You may be angry at your employer for making the decision to make you redundant, or you may be angry at yourself for not seeing it coming. It’s important to recognise that anger is a natural part of the process and that it’s okay to feel angry.
3. Bargaining: During the bargaining stage, you may start to look for ways to avoid redundancy. You may try to negotiate with your employer or look for other opportunities within the company. This stage is characterised by a sense of desperation and a desire to regain control over the situation.
4. Depression: As the reality of redundancy sets in, you may begin to feel sad and depressed. You may struggle with feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and despair. It’s important to seek support during this stage and to remember that it’s okay to feel sad.
5. Acceptance: Eventually, you will reach the acceptance stage. You will come to terms with the fact that you are facing redundancy and will begin to look towards the future. This stage is characterised by a sense of calm and a willingness to move forward.

Understanding the Kola grief curve can help you prepare for the emotional journey of dealing with redundancy. It’s important to remember that everyone experiences these stages differently and that there is no right or wrong way to feel. However, by acknowledging your emotions and seeking support when you need it, you can navigate the process more effectively and emerge stronger on the other side.

Approaches to Identifying Your Core Skills

Identifying your core skills is a crucial step in deciding whether a career change is the right choice for you. Here are a few approaches to help you identify your strengths and skills:

1. Self-Reflection: Take some time to reflect on your past experiences and achievements. What skills did you use to succeed in these situations? What do you enjoy doing? What comes naturally to you?
2. Feedback from Others: Ask colleagues, managers, and friends for feedback on your strengths and skills. They may be able to provide a different perspective on your abilities.
3. Assessment Tools: There are various online assessment tools available that can help you identify your strengths and skills. Some popular options include StrengthsFinder, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and DISC.
4. Job analysis: Another approach to identifying your core skills is to analyse job postings in your field. Look for common skills and qualifications that are listed across multiple job postings. This can help you identify areas where you might need to develop new skills, as well as areas where you have existing strengths.

Once you have identified your core skills, it’s important to think about how you can leverage them in a new role. This might involve seeking out opportunities to develop your skills further, networking with others in your field, or taking on new responsibilities in your current role. By having a clear understanding of your core skills, you can approach the job market with confidence and resilience, knowing that you have the skills and abilities to succeed in a new role and surviving redundancy.

 

Deciding Whether to Change Career After Redundancy

Losing your job can be a difficult and overwhelming experience, particularly if you have been made redundant. While it can be easy to feel discouraged and hopeless in this situation, it is important to remember that being made redundant does not define you or your career path. In fact, it can be an opportunity to re-evaluate your career goals and make a change for the better and help you surviving redundancy.

One of the biggest decisions you may face after being made redundant is whether to stay in the same career or make a change. This decision can be daunting, but by considering a few key factors, you can make an informed choice that will set you on the path to success.

Assess Your Current Situation

The first step in deciding whether to change career after being made redundant is to assess your current situation. Take some time to reflect on your career thus far and consider your strengths, weaknesses, and areas of interest. You may find it helpful to create a list of pros and cons for staying in your current career versus making a change. This will give you a clear understanding of your priorities and help you determine whether a new career is right for you.

Consider Your Finances

Another crucial factor to consider is your finances. Losing your job can be a significant blow to your income, and it may take some time to find a new job or transition into a new career. It is important to have a solid financial plan in place before making any major career changes. Take a close look at your budget and consider whether you have enough savings to support yourself during a potential period of unemployment or lower income. If you are unsure about your financial situation, it may be helpful to seek advice from a financial planner or career counselor.

Explore New Opportunities

Once you have assessed your situation and considered your finances, it is time to explore new career opportunities. This may involve researching different industries or job roles, networking with professionals in your desired field, or even enrolling in a training program or certification course to gain new skills. Keep an open mind and be willing to step outside of your comfort zone. This can be a great opportunity to discover new passions and interests that you may not have otherwise considered.

Seek Professional Help

Finally, it is important to seek professional help and support during this time. This may involve working with a career coach who can provide guidance and advice as you navigate your career transition. They can also help you develop a clear career plan and provide practical support such as CV writing and interview preparation  and support you surviving redundancy. .

In conclusion, being made redundant can be a challenging experience, but it can also be an opportunity for growth and change. By assessing your situation, considering your finances, exploring new opportunities, and seeking professional help, you can make an informed decision about whether to stay in your current career or make a change. Remember that it is never too late to pursue your passions and build a career that you love.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

At Total Career Solutions, we offer the expert, knowledge, experience, and insights and help you change career and find a new career path.  Book a free 15-minute consultation with our professional career consultants to learn more.