Redundancy Isn’t The End - It’s a Recalibration

Redundancy can hit hard. Even if you saw it coming, it still jolts you out of the day-to-day into a space you weren’t planning for. It can feel personal, destabilising and sometimes surreal.

But what doesn’t always get talked about? Redundancy forces a pause, and that pause could be the clearest career reset you didn’t know you needed.

Whether you’re ready to jump back into a similar role or want to take the time to rethink what’s next, this moment is yours to shape.

Here’s how to get grounded and clear so you can move forward on your terms.

1. Give yourself a moment before going into fix-it mode

You don’t need to update your resume on day one. What you do need is space to breathe. It’s OK to take a bit of time, give yourself some space to process what’s happened, talk it through with people you trust and just be for a bit

Give yourself permission to pause and regroup. You’re not falling behind, you’re setting the foundations.

2. Try to stay in charge of the story

Redundancy can really shake your confidence. Even when it’s got nothing to do with your performance, it’s easy to take it personally.

That’s why it’s important to stay aware of the story you’re telling yourself and others. You haven’t failed. A door has closed, but you get to choose what happens next.

Reframe it as:

“This change has given me time to think about what’s next for me”

Simple, clear and future-focused.

3. Clarify what work needs to look like now

Before diving into job applications, take stock:

• What do you want more of in your next role?

• What would make work feel better this time around?

• What would you rather leave behind?

This is your moment to check in with what success and balance means to you now, not five years ago.

Redundancy gives you something rare: time to be intentional.

4. Plan your path with both strategy and softness

Once you’ve caught your breath and checked in with yourself, it’s time to build your plan. Not a rigid to-do list, but a flexible framework.

That might include:

• Reviewing your finances and setting a job search timeline

• Updating your resume (once you know what you are aiming for)

• Tidying up your LinkedIn so it reflects the direction you are heading

• Booking chats with people in your network

• Getting support from a coach if the path still feels fuzzy

The goal? Don’t just jump - steer.

5. Talk about your redundancy with confidence

If you’re worried about how to explain your redundancy in applications or interviews, don’t be. It’s more common than ever and managed well, it can show maturity and clarity.

Try something like:

“The restructure gave me the opportunity to step back and think about the direction I want to go next. And that’s what led me to this role”.

You’re not apologising, you’re showing intention.

Final thought: You didn’t choose the change but you can choose the direction

Redundancy might not have been part of your plan, but it can still be a powerful turning point.

When you take time to reflect, reset, and move forward with purpose, you’re not just reacting to change, you’re shaping what’s next with intention. Wiith the right support, self-awareness, and strategy you can move forward in a way that feels stronger, not smaller.

If you would like help figuring all this out, whether its your next step, your resume or your confidence, I’m here.

Book a 20 minute clarity call with me and let’s chat about what’s next.