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Redundancy is a tough blow and can dampen the spirits of even the most positive person. But it can also provide the momentum you need to take charge of your career again. Sorcha Corcoran reports

If you have recently been let go or are facing redundancy, the first thing to realise is youre not alone; in the first six months of this year, 12,813 people were made redundant, according to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Hearing that youre no longer needed is a shock, especially if youve held a position for several years. Its like dealing with bereavement, says Peter Sheridan, trainer at the National Training Authority (NTA). People wonder, why me? In some cases theyre in denial and try to hide the fact that theyve been let go.

The NTA runs a Coping with Redundancy distance learning course. Generally completed in around five months, the course aims to get people through the various phases of loss as quickly as possible and provide the impetus they need to start again. We think it works for students because they have somebody to bounce things off with 100pc anonymity. This is important when facing a crisis. We also show people how to network, which is a big factor in getting back on your feet again, says Sheridan.

Of the hundreds of people who do the course every year, many go into freelancing in their area of expertise, and a high proportion decide to upgrade their skills to change careers, he adds. Those who complete the course can do a second NTA course free of charge.

Kevin Kelly, international speaker and author in the area of motivation, entrepreneurship and leadership, says redundancy is a good time to take stock and can act as a catalyst for personal growth. One of the main things stopping people from doing what they want is fear of failure. But the best training programme youll ever get is to go through pain, such as redundancy. It really helps a person to focus on doing something they love.

Kelly left a highly paid marketing consultant position to live on less than the average industrial wage for three years to establish himself in the area hes in now. One of the keys to success if youre following a new path, he says, is to seek out people who have been there. Once you lose your job, take some time to reflect on why it happened and what you can learn from it. The last thing you want is to bring negative baggage with you. The next step might be to seek outside help to give you a clearer view and a roadmap for the future. But dont take on a life coach who hasnt had a life themselves.

Sometimes redundancy is just the push a person needs to set up their own business. For those who want to find a new job, Kelly advises being honest in interviews. Turn it upside down, saying the redundancy was a jolt, but the best thing that could have happened, as it helped you to find out what you really want to do.

Top coping tips

Dont panicAllow yourself to go through the spectrum of emotions, such as fear, anger and denial they are natural and part of the process. But have faith in yourself that youll come through this difficult phase.

Take stock
This is an ideal time to think about where youre at in life and whats important to you, particularly if you have the cushion of a redundancy settlement. Why not investigate things youve always dreamed of doing? You may not get a chance like this again.

Be patient
Its estimated the average job search can take anything from two to 10 months. So dont be disheartened. Looking for a job or deciding what to do is a job in itself.

www.nta.ie

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