| ncy Can Be A Good Thing | | | | able to determine whether or not a complete change |
| | | | of direction would be the most beneficial route to |
| I'll bet that title caught your attention. But hang on | | | | take. |
| — is it a contradiction in terms? Redundancy is | | | | If you answer 'yes' to one or more of these |
| painful, no matter whether the person being laid off | | | | questions, it is highly likely that you had become |
| has been expecting it or not. Yet with the right | | | | static in your work, finding it easier to stay put than |
| frame of mind and a positive approach to life, | | | | risk attempting to change careers. |
| redundancy can indeed be a good thing, even though | | | | In this way, you will be able to assess your future |
| it may seem like the end of the world at first. | | | | with confidence, striking out in the right direction for |
| The way this situation affects you depends largely | | | | you. If you can honestly say you enjoyed your |
| on the type of person you are. The pessimist will | | | | work, then you can narrow down your job search to |
| assume that the reason for dismissal rests solely with | | | | the same or similar areas. Armed with a well prepared |
| their own supposed lack of skills. They may think | | | | CV listing your skills and experience, you can |
| that everybody else is able to complete the same | | | | approach the task of job hunting with new |
| work in less time and with better results. However, | | | | confidence. Showing enthusiasm to continue your |
| the reasons for dismissal may be far more | | | | career despite being made redundant makes for a |
| fundamental, due not least to the economic climate, | | | | positive and impressive image. |
| for example. In this frame of mind, the pessimist will | | | | If you do find that a total change of direction is |
| see the challenge of rebuilding their life and career | | | | called for, then there are a number of options open |
| too great to take on. | | | | to you. Seeking an alternative career in employment |
| In contrast, the optimist sees redundancy as a | | | | is the obvious opportunity and in this case you will |
| turning point, a chance to change their life for the | | | | need to consider which careers appeal to you. Gather |
| better. They take stock of the situation and | | | | some background information on each opportunity |
| determine to get the best out of it, often striking | | | | and make sure you are up to date with a company's |
| out in a completely new direction. | | | | movements if you are invited to an interview. Doing |
| Even if you recognise yourself as a pessimist, you | | | | your homework beforehand can swing the decision in |
| can change the way you think and react to a | | | | your favour. |
| situation like this by learning to adopt the right | | | | Alternatively, you may decide to set up in business |
| approach. | | | | on your own. Most of us dream about being our own |
| So how can this be done? Firstly, it is essential to | | | | boss at some stage in our lives, but giving up 'safe' |
| face the reality that being made redundant is not | | | | employment to strike out on our own is a big step |
| necessarily your own fault. At such a crucial time in | | | | to take. Redundancy puts us in a position to consider |
| your life, it is vital not to degenerate into a reflective | | | | self-employment as a viable option. |
| and 'moody' phase. Reminiscing about the past is one | | | | Any money you receive as a result of redundancy |
| thing, but poring over what you might have done or | | | | can be put to good use if you decide to take this |
| not done to lose your job is quite another, and | | | | route. It is vital not to rush into self employment |
| should be avoided at all costs. | | | | though. Being on the rebound from redundancy can |
| The positive approach is to take a long, hard look at | | | | make running your own business sound heavenly, yet |
| your life, in order to decide on your next move. This | | | | there is much planning and work involved and your |
| is the time for some soul searching questions, so be | | | | own business ideas need to be thought out carefully |
| honest with yourself and think about the following: | | | | before you take the plunge. |
| Were you happy in your job before being made | | | | Whatever direction you decide to take, you should |
| redundant? | | | | aim to remain positive and optimistic. View |
| Have you ever thought of doing more than just | | | | redundancy as a golden opportunity to take stock of |
| dreaming about being your own boss? | | | | your life and see where you can change it for the |
| Have you ever seriously considered a complete | | | | better. Redundancy can indeed be a good thing |
| change of career? | | | | — if you handle it the right way. |
| By answering these questions truthfully, you will be | | | | |