How To Turn Redundancy Into Opportunity (With A Little Help)
Redundancy is incredibly difficult to deal with. Whether it has happened unexpectedly, or if you had a sense that it was coming - it still knocks the wind out of you.
2 min read.
The simple truth is: losing your job almost always feels like losing a part of yourself.
Suddenly, the structure that gave your day meaning, the colleagues who you shared a laugh with, the position that anchored your identity - gone. It’s a blow to your confidence, your routine, and your sense of control. Add financial pressure, a tough job market, or family responsibilities into the mix, and you’ve got a perfect storm of stress.
Perhaps, on top of all this, your ex-employer is handling the situation poorly. Many companies offer little or no career transition support, and don’t communicate clearly with an employee that’s been made redundant.
But, here’s the truth: with the right support, this experience, (as destabilising as it feels) can also be the start of something profoundly empowering.
Let me show you how.
How Coaching Can Help You Navigate Redundancy
When clients come to me after a redundancy, they’re often exhausted - not just from the job loss itself, but from the wave of emotions that follow: fear, self-doubt, anger, grief, even shame.
We start there. We don’t bypass those feelings or slap on toxic positivity. We acknowledge them as part of the process.
From there, we build something new - something that aligns more deeply with who they are now. Through tailored coaching sessions, we focus on:
Rebuilding identity beyond the job title or position
Redefining values and what kind of work truly energises them
Using past successes to build future fulfillment
Designing a career search strategy that’s structured, smart, and sustainable
Strengthening mindset to handle rejection and uncertainty with resilience
Owning their story in interviews and online (CV, LinkedIn)
Building their personal brand, so they can show up confidently for interviews and networking.
Remember: Post-redundancy coaching isn’t about bouncing back - it’s about moving forward with strategy, self-belief, and the tools to navigate what’s next on your terms.
From my years of experience, I have understood that confidence is a by-product of clarity, which in turn is a by-product of a person knowing their values.
Values are highly changeable; unfortunately, much of modern life is so hectic that we rarely have the time (or the clarity) to stop and check in with our current values.
Faced with redundancy, most people directly jump into job search, to try and minimise the financial and emotional upheaval that job loss inevitably causes. It seems like the smart and responsible thing to do.
But…as someone who frequently supports professionals facing redundancy, I’ve found that pausing and giving yourself the time to think things through with the support of a qualified coach always leads to better results.
Client Story: From Redundant to Re-employed in 3 Months
One of my clients found herself in this exact situation - she was told her role was being made redundant, with just three months to secure a new one. The catch? She needed visa sponsorship. Talk about high stakes.
On top of everything else, this happened at Christmas time, a time of the year when much of hiring had really slowed down. Everyone around her seemed to be in a festive mood, making it harder for her to deal with all the negative feelings she was experiencing.
The stress impacted every part of her life - her sleep, her appetite, her energy, and her ability to think clearly. She felt totally overwhelmed, like the ground had disappeared beneath her feet.
We began with presence, not pressure.
We acknowledged the fear instead of trying to push it away.
She didn’t need fixing - she needed space, support, and a clear job search strategy.
We built a multi-layered job search approach:
We got really clear on the jobs she wanted - the types of roles, companies, and industries that suited her.
We put her personality back into her CV and LinkedIn profile to spotlight her unique strengths
Crafted and honed a clear, memorable elevator pitch
Practiced interview questions she found most difficult through role-play, especially for high-pressure rounds with the VP (for example, answering “Tell me about yourself.”)
Built and nurtured relationships with recruiters and hiring managers.
Went beyond the job boards and explored her primary and secondary network to tap into the hidden job market.
This wasn't a linear process. There were days when we worked on the stress and the overwhelming negative emotions, and other days when we worked on the practical tasks. There were good days and bad days.
Through it all, her dedication was incredible.
And the result?
She was selected from hundreds of applicants
She nailed a 90-minute final interview with the VP
She landed a new role that she loves with sponsorship, within 3 months.
Her success wasn’t just about finding a job. It was about reclaiming her voice and owning her power in a situation that could have easily left her feeling helpless.
Redundancy Can Be the Start of Something New
Redundancy is deeply disorienting. But, with the right support, it can also be the moment you pause, reassess, and begin to build a career that’s truly aligned.
This is where I can help.
This is why I do what I do. Sometimes, it doesn’t just change jobs or careers, it sets people on the path to being fulfilled.
So if you’re navigating redundancy and feel like you’ve lost your footing, know this:
You’re not redundant.
You’re not behind.
You’re on the edge of something new.
“Today, I not only landed my dream job but have also become a better version of myself - empowered, courageous and stronger than ever. She guided me to uncover the strong, independent woman within me, who was always there but just needed some nurturing. Her support extended beyond our scheduled sessions, making me feel valued not just as a client, but as a person.
Her guidance has left an indelible mark on my life, and for that, I will always be grateful.”
— Anushka B | software engineer
If you’re ready for not just another job search, but a journey into greater fulfillment at work, I invite you to schedule a complimentary 40-minute consultation with me.
