Yeah, let’s talk redundancy

It was the beginning of spring. The birds were singing outside, the flowers began to bloom, and I sat at my desk, looking out into the garden. After 15 years of remote working, my daily routine was set in stone. I’d made my coffee, started to review ongoing projects and check my inbox.

Then, an unusual email arrived from senior management, requesting a meeting that afternoon. The tone was cold, and after reading it, I felt a sense of unease. My hands started shaking, and my heart began to race. I quickly sent a message to a colleague of mine, someone I’d worked with for over a decade, and they confirmed that they’d received the same email.

We had recently received our overdue pay rises, so we didn’t expect anything drastic. We carried on, trying to push the unsettling feeling to the back of our minds. But when the call came, it felt different. I took a deep breath and clicked the link.

The first face I saw was my director. But this time, something was off. He didn’t greet me with the usual warm smile I was so familiar with. His eyes were sad, his expression distant. I stared at the screen, holding my breath, waiting for what was coming next.

What followed was devastating. We were being made redundant. Just like that. The entire team, discarded after years of hard work.

It's strange how we react in these moments. We carry on, hoping that management will change their minds and somehow we’ll be spared. But then the reality hits: the decision is final. Those words echo in your mind over and over. Slowly, you begin to process it, but with each passing second, anger creeps in, followed by bitterness, and eventually, the hurt. You try to hold it together, but the tears inevitably come.

Redundancy is brutal.

For many of us, work becomes more than just a job. It’s intertwined with our identity, shaping who we are. When that’s ripped away, it’s like losing a part of yourself. You feel lost, unimportant, and alone. Even though your friends and family offer their support, it doesn’t quite fill the void. The reassurance doesn’t bring you back.

The truth is, you’ve been thrust into a situation you had no control over. Despite your commitment, hard work and dedication, you find yourself cast aside. It’s a punch to the gut, and you can’t help but wonder if there’s something you could have done differently.

But here’s the reality - it’s not your fault. It never was. You didn’t do anything wrong. You were hired because of your skills, your knowledge, and your experience. You got to where you were because you were good at what you did. And now, simply put, they don’t need you anymore. They might not be able to afford you, or perhaps your role has become obsolete due to technological advancements or changes in the company.

Redundancy isn’t about you—it’s about the company. It’s not personal. It’s business.

Remember, you have unique talents. You are an asset to any future employer. You might not see it right now, but the world is still full of opportunities.

Losing your job can feel akin to experiencing a loss, like grieving. The emotional stages of denial, anger, and low mood are all part of the process. You might even slip into depression as you try to come to terms with your new reality - But allow yourself the time and space to process it. Be patient with yourself. These feelings are temporary.

As you begin to rebuild your confidence, you might face the sting of job rejections. The pain of these setbacks can feel like salt in the wound, but remember that the recruitment process is complex, and many factors are beyond your control. Make sure you’re in a place where you can handle these setbacks.

In the meantime, work on something personal. Consider taking on a new qualification, pursuing a hobby, or building a portfolio that reflects your new direction. These small steps will not only keep you motivated but will also help you build a future beyond the redundancy.

The truth is, you have built the foundation to do great things. You’re worth a lot. Just as businesses evolve, so can you. It’s not about the company you worked for or the title you held. It’s about what you know and how you can adapt it to be where you want to be next. Discover what excites you, what drives you forward, and pursue those passions relentlessly.

This difficult chapter will be the catalyst for your next breakthrough. You’ll emerge from this stronger, more focused, and even more innovative. When you find your new path, there will be no stopping you. So don’t give up.

There’s only one you in the world.

Life is now. Make it a good one.