Redundancy is hitting many Australians at the moment. The most recent unemployment figures released today show the figure at 6.4%, up from 6% a month ago. It’s time for us to deal with redundancy better.

If you are one of the many who are being made redundant, whether on a voluntary basis or not, creating a forward looking plan-of-action can be difficult. Losing your job will be a challenging experience for most people, but don’t lose sight of the positive opportunities too.

Here are some practical ideas to help get you started:

• Ensure you take full advantage of any redundancy entitlements that your employer is offering. These may include skills training or more often, out-placement services which will provide information regarding job opportunities and help you put together a current resume. It may give you interview training and other job search related skills. If your employer hasn’t offered an outplacement service, ask for it.
• Develop a budget for the next few months to ensure you don’t splash out on unnecessary items or luxuries. Don’t be tempted to spend big on a holiday or new car – wait until you have secured your next job before allowing yourself to do that.
• Credit Cards – yes, they are convenient and have many advantages (loyalty programs, etc) but make sure you can pay off your bill each month otherwise you will be stung for a whopping interest payment on the outstanding amount.
• Self-Reflect on your Career. Many people have never taken stock of where their career is going, but have moved as opportunities arise, and self manage their career. Redundancy is a great time for people to reflect on alternatives that may be open to someone with their skill set. Consider seeing a qualified Career Coach to help you formulate new ideas.
• Ensure you have a great Resume, ready to go when it’s requested by an agency or company. Highlight your transferable skills and your achievements. Develop a Resume that informs the reader of what you’ve accomplished in your roles – if the information isn’t in the document, they won’t know how good you are!
• Consider using the time to update your skills, or up-skilling. Investigate whether funding is available for certain training – contact your local job seeker office or state government bodies to see what’s on offer. Often programs are run to fill a skill shortage and funding may be available on meeting specified criteria.
• Social interactions and relationships are important for maintaining our health and wellbeing. Make the effort to be social, even if you are not feeling particularly outgoing. The interaction will keep you connected to the world, help you focus on things other than your current situation and may lead to interesting possibilities.
• Networking – as above. Network via social media, in the school yard, professional networks, football matches, while waiting in a shop, via friends or community organisations etc, etc. The possibilities are endless!
• Remain open to opportunities. Don’t discount anything until you have fully explored it. Again, different possibilities are out there – we just need to think laterally sometimes.

About the Author

Katie Adler – the person behind Katie Adler Consulting

Katie Adler’s professional career has been in executive search and the corporate sector. She is a Professional Member of the Career Development Association of Australia (CDAA) and provides Outplacement Services to help individuals develop the diverse skills required to succeed in today’s competitive job market by delivering highly acclaimed programs. For details of all services, click here.