The Covid-19 pandemic has triggered yet another recession in what was already an unstable economy. Specific sectors, most notably travel and hospitality, have been worse hit than others. However, with a swift decline in consumer spending and confidence, most industries have started to make redundancies.
Despite the endless negative news stories, redundancy can present several positives.
Redundancy is usually successful at giving people the time to reset and reflect on their career and what they want in the future. Perhaps, your manager has continually ignored you for promotion, you are fed up with the commute or convinced your skillset is better suited to an alternative career.
Redundancy provides the headspace to explore your career interests and goals. For many, it gives the push they need to change their career, ultimately improving their health and wellbeing.
Our tips to dealing with, and making the most of out, redundancy during the pandemic:
Accept Redundancy is Out of Your Control
Being made redundant can often cause a sense of low self-worth. Explaining to others, you are currently unemployed can feel embarrassing. However, in the months ahead, because of coronavirus, hearing about redundancy is going to become very common. Losing your job during a global pandemic is certainly nothing to feel ashamed of. Many people in the UK, and across the world, are in the same position.
Make Your Mental Health a Priority
During the Covid-19 era, there is additional pressure on our mental health. While financial hardship is a valid reason for those who have been made redundant to jump straight into any job available, the best thing you can do for your mental health is to look beyond money.
Take this time to think about your interests, work-related values and goals that you want to achieve in your career. Unless you enter a profession that you are happy with, sooner or later you will begin to see an impact on your mental health and wellbeing.
Saying this, we are well aware that redundancy can cause financial hardship for many families in the UK. It is not always possible for people to choose the career best suited to their needs. If you are facing financial difficulties, there is government support available to help with living expenses while you search for employment.
Visit the government website to find out more about the support and how to apply.
Criticise and Compliment
Take this opportunity to analyse your skillset, abilities and experiences. Be honest and upfront about what you have achieved in your career, and where your limitations lie. By identifying the things you excel in, and those you struggle with, you will provide an excellent foundation from which you can base your job search.
If you’re dealing with redundancy, Refreshing a Career can help you with your employment search.
