Coping with your job loss

Ask Kate Column: I am getting quite a few emails about redundancies and how to cope if the axe falls across your desk. One person made redundant told me he was really surprised as he was still fairly new in his role and thought he was doing pretty well. First thing to take in is that a redundancy is about a company not doing well – not the individual.

Sure, companies can use economic downtimes to target people that are no longer vital to the organisation but in most cases redundancies are a way for organisations to cope with changing circumstances such as the loss of a customer base, the falling dollar making materials more expensive and the general public being too spooked to go shopping. I asked career expert Warren Frehse if he would share his tips with us on coping with redundancy and have now put them up on the CareerOne.com.au website. Warren’s first tip is “don’t take it personally”.

I know it’s hard not to react emotionally when told that you no longer have a job but it is important to move into action mode as soon as you can. This is the time to not only look at job ads in the newspaper and online but also to get in touch with everyone who might be able to pass on job leads. Hit the phone and touch base with former colleagues and bosses. Get reactivated in a club or association – golf, Toastmasters, Life Saving – it doesn’t matter if it is sport or a special interest. Many people don’t want to say they have lost their job so spend valuable time hiding out just when they should be getting out. Use the tips provided by CareerOne and get weaving.