It might be you

Living with the fear of losing your job?
Feeling powerless and anxious?
Uncertain of what to do? 

A few recent clients have been experiencing just that. As companies handle redundancy and restructuring processes differently, every situation is different. However, often it will start with a broad communication that some job cuts need to be made, and then hopefully an outline of the approach is provided with process and timing. If this is happening for you, then you likely feel distressed, disappointed, let down and anxious about your future.

Fear can be a powerful motivator. Humans are designed so that stress motivates us to act; fight, flight or freeze. All of the emotions that you experience at a time when your livelihood is threatened are valid. However there are things you can do to give yourself the best possible chance of advancing through this adversity. 

1.     Address the fear. Ask yourself “What am I most fearful of?” Then check the reality. If the likelihood of losing your job is high, or you have been informed that it is happening, think through what steps you can take to help yourself. What resources and support can you access?

2.     Get informed. Look at your contract, your Award and consult the Fair Work Ombudsman information on redundancy so that you know your minimum entitlements and the process your employer needs to follow. https://www.fairwork.gov.au/ending-employment/redundancy

3.     Get the right help. Your nearest and dearest are usually always well intentioned, but not always knowledgeable enough to give sound advice and support. Fair Work has a help line, and make sure you also have one or two trusted relationships that you can call on with relevant experience who are knowledgeable in this space.

4.     Preparing for the Sprint or the Marathon. Depending on the company and the process this experience can happen very fast or incredibly slow. How can you care for yourself and recharge your batteries so you have the energy you need.

5.     Recognise effort. Take small steps every day to put yourself in the best possible position and prepare for each possible scenario. Updating your resume, LinkedIn profile, scanning the job market, expanding your options of what might be next. If it turns out, you end up staying in the organisation then great. But if not, then every step of getting ready for other possibilities is helpful. Give yourself a pat on the back for the effort you put in to look after yourself, connect with others, get support and be prepared.

6.     Watch for unhelpful stories. “There are no jobs”, “It is so competitive I don’t have a chance”. These unhelpful thoughts can stop you from even trying. Granted the job market is tough, but it is not true that there are zero jobs. And there are industries that are hiring and a wealth of free or low fee training on offer to expand your options. 

7.     Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. If you have experienced losing your job to redundancy, you are going through the stages of grief over what you have lost. This can make it difficult to even think about negotiating the redundancy package. There are minimum requirements employers must meet, but there can be room to negotiate additional separation terms. Review the terms on offer and then don’t be afraid to ask for changes. Again, this can be a good area to get advice from an employment lawyer.

It may not feel like it at the time, but this too will pass and while it might take time to secure the next job, it is usually a matter of “When, not If”.

If you this sounds very familiar and you want some help with what might be next for you, reach out for a 30minute free call for a discussion.