EXPERT ADVICE

If you’ve been laid off, here’s how to get through it…

THINK AHEAD

‘Finding out you have been made redundant may make you feel shocked, ashamed, angry and depleted,’ Susan says. ‘Try imagining yourself a year from now. From this perspective, you can have greater clarity; remind yourself you can handle

whatever comes next.’

REACH OUT

Communicating that you have been made redundant can be challenging. Susan recommends preparing a sentence, such as

‘I’m looking for a new position’, or ‘I’m having a rethink’, without need for explanation. Or reverse the question: ‘Have you ever been made redundant?’ This could be an opportunity to find out how others coped.

PROCESS THE LOSS

‘Write down what you feel you’ve lost,’ says Susan. ‘It could be the project you were on, lovely colleagues, or

your identity. Write what you miss, and what you’re angry about. Then ask yourself: “What can I learn from this loss?”’

REBUILD CONFIDENCE

‘Note down everything you achieved in your previous role, big or small,’ says Eleanor. ‘This is a confidence booster and will also help for future job interviews.’ Then create a grid with your strengths, weaknesses, what you love, what you hate. Understanding this will help you figure out your next move.

DECIDE TO STICK, TWIST OR BUST

‘If you decide you were great at this job and you enjoyed it, start looking for a similar role at a different organisation,’ Eleanor says. Alternatively, you may choose to twist: keeping to the same skill set but working differently, perhaps by going freelance. Or you might realise you want to bust, and start something completely new. Be honest about what you really want.