The Balance Collective Ask Me Anything – Redundancy support after 20 years at a company.

In this month’s Ask Me Anything, I’m answering a question from someone going through a massive life transition. Redundancy, either voluntary or compulsory, was a big theme among my clients in 2024, and I’m hopeful that 2025 will see a shift in job security. However, this change in work direction is not only caused by a change in the economic fortunes of your employer; so please read on if you are at a career crossroads, for any reason.

 

“I’ve recently taken redundancy, after 20 years in a company. I want to use this time to work out what I want to do next but don’t know where to start. Help!”

 

Before I begin, I want to talk directly to the person in question. Moving on, following 20 years, it’s such a brave step – well done in taking the leap. Having done something similar in 2015, (taking redundancy after nearly 10 years in an organisation) I understand some of the feelings you are going through!  Today I wanted to help you by walking you through the coaching approach, as if you were my client.

However, if you are also reading this, and looking to make a change; be it applying for a new role, a new company, shifting your business or even retraining, all the questions will apply to you too!

So, here we go. Grab a pen and paper and answer these questions, to help uncover what you need, and the actions to move forward.

 

What made you want to change?

First, take time to reflect on what it was that made you take the leap and accept redundancy. This is not just the short-term financial elements (as I hope there was a sufficient package to give you breathing space) but why did you want to walk away? What are you rejecting? Even if it’s not something you feel like you have full control over, you can still ask yourself these questions.

Try and get specific if you can, and consider:

“What didn’t you like about your role and company and the life it creates?”

It may sound strange to start with the negative, but this is an essential part of the process. Get clear with the elements you don’t want to repeat, be it money, company culture, free time, responsibilities, mission of the organisation or management style (amongst others), so you can have these as deal breakers when you are looking for new roles or opportunities.

 

Remind yourself of your WHY.

Next, and this won’t come as a surprise, it’s all about values. Very simply, what is important to you?

What does a good day look like? From activities, to how you are after you have finished your working day.

How do your values show up – both at work and in your personal life? Both perspectives are essential.

How do you feel valued?

 

Regain Curiosity

At one stage in our life, we didn’t know what the options were, career-wise. We would find out from the people around us, watch TV, read books, and listen to family members. Then, at some point, we “locked in.” We invested in our education and training, we put our time into building our skills and a network. Now, a change feels “too late.” But how would it feel if you switched that curiosity back on?

Be interested in what other career paths are out there. Talk to your friends and family about their work or businesses- often we don’t discuss work with those that are closest to us. You may discover a path that you hadn’t considered before.

 

 

Start Rebuilding Your CV

Hopefully, this curiosity with help you create a new appreciation of your skills, experience, knowledge, and qualifications; as well as where these could be newly applied.  Working on a skills-based CV is one way of helping that transition.  Not just a document listing all your duties, but the impact of your work. This can start to help you rebuild your work identity and imagine new roles. As a reminder, one of my services is CV support, so feel free to reach out to find out more about it!

 

Build a new routine.

Whilst all this is going on, make sure you create a new routine, with purpose and activities. Days can feel long when the working day has been removed. Within this time, work on finding other things that feel fulfilling- move every day, connect with people, dabble in something creative and continue learning. Work isn’t and doesn’t have to be the only way you find your purpose.

Once you start getting back to you, it can help point you in the direction of what is next.

Hopefully, this will help!

 

If you would like to read some of the previous AMA questions and answers, you can find them here.  Here is an overview of my services, including the Fast & Focused option that many people use for their CV Development. Fancy a chat to find out how I can help YOU create a career to enjoy? Find a time here, and I will call you back!