Rebounding from redundancy

Glenford Smith, Career Writer

With the drastic loss of jobs of tens of thousands of Jamaican workers over the past eighteen months, many people are finding it hard to recover.

Even for those with the buffer of a redundancy package, the uncertainty can be unnerving.

"I was devastated when I got the call, and someone said, 'We're sorry but come the end of the month, your position will be made redundant'," said one former worker.

"The reality of it was terrifying," she said.

"I started to ask God why. Everything flashed through my mind: Am I going to suffer? How will I survive? What's going to happen to my family? How will I afford health and life insurance?"

Overcoming

It can be hard at first to come to grips with not having a job, and with losing the day-to-day interactions of co-workers who have become like family. It is possible, however, to overcome the angst and to rebound from redundancy.

It's going to require two things: one is the courage to think differently about yourself, work, and your future possibilities; the other is adaptability - to try new things and adopt new habits.

Redefine redundancy: Former Jamaica Public Service Company engineer Paul O'Connor, who has rebounded from redundancy separation six years ago, advises: "Don't see redundancy as either rejection or retirement."

In other words, being laid off doesn't mean you're useless or that you have nothing else of value to offer the world.

Reject regrets and self-recrimination: Refuse to obsess over what you could have done better. For example: Why didn't I save more? Maybe it was because I didn't suck up to my boss that they kicked me out. I wish I had gone back to school, or bought a house before, now I don't even have a job!

Also, resolutely refuse to dwell on the negative things that can happen. Focus instead on your successful achievements, the lessons learned, and the positive actions you can take to create a prosperous future.

Make money management a priority: O'Connor warns against splurging. "Whatever money you get at redundancy can seem like a lot at first, but don't be fooled by this," he says.

"You have to make wise investments rather than spending it on things you've always wanted. Also, don't take long to secure an income to offset your ongoing expenditures."

Be flexible: Be prepared to work outside of areas you're familiar with and comfortable in. Also, be open to working in a new geographical location. Rebounding is about being resilient, which means the ability to adapt to new realities. Learn new skills, get new qualifications. Don't get stuck in the past, but open yourself to new possibilities, new experiences, and meeting new people.

Don't fear failure: Trying new things mean you will fail at some. Your first attempts at starting your own business may flounder. Your first 20 job applications may get no response. Don't despair, however. And don't be fearful of trying again.

With perseverance, self-belief and the courage to win, you will rebound from redundancy and anything else.

Glenford Smith is a motivational speaker and personal achievement strategist.

glenfordsmith@yahoo.com