Five ways to get your confidence back after redundancy.

Losing a job, especially if you’re in a leadership position, is an overwhelming and challenging experience that takes a toll on your self-esteem and confidence.

I know, I’ve been there, and it can be particularly hard to process when it happens unexpectedly.

Overwhelmingly, it can shake your sense of stability and confidence big time. However, it’s important to remember that your worth and capabilities extend beyond your job title.

I found that in the short-term taking action helped me feel like I had a sense of control as I navigated my way through the process.

That’s why this month’s Leadership Confidential Newsletter covers the top five ways that can help you manage the initial stages of redundancy and come out the other side feeling confident and empowered.

5 ways to regain your confidence after redundancy

1. Reflect on your achievements:

Remind yourself of the challenges you’ve overcome in the past and the skills you’ve developed along the way. Make a list of your accomplishments, big or small. Consider the projects you’ve successfully completed and the positive impact you’ve had on your team or organisation. Doing this will remind you of your capabilities and reinforce your self-worth. You’re more than your job title and your past successes are proof of that.

2. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed:

Prioritise the most important things - based on urgency and importance. Having a to-do list can help you stay organised and focused. Remember to delegate and share the load, as much as possible. Sharing the load can alleviate your overwhelm.

Finally, look after yourself. Incorporate stress relief techniques into your day-to-day routine to instil calmness and help you regain clarity - anything that makes you feel good, whether it's exercising, meditating, pursuing hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.

3. Acknowledge how you feel:

Take time to ‘feel’ and seek support if you need it. Redundancy can be emotionally challenging, and I know when I went through it I experienced a multitude of emotions almost on a daily basis. It's important to give yourself permission to feel and acknowledge these emotions rather than bottling them up.

Reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional to talk about what you're going through. Sometimes, just speaking about your feelings can feel incredibly liberating and empowering. You could also join support groups, either in-person or online, where you can connect with others who have gone through similar experiences.

4. Invest in your learning and development:

Learning a new skill and expanding your knowledge can really help to boost your confidence and self-assurance. Have a look at available courses, workshops, or certifications related to your field or areas of interest.

Continuous learning demonstrates both your professional value and a commitment to your personal growth, making you more appealing to potential employers.

5. Try and stay positive:

I know it can be difficult but try activities which help you to see the positive, for example:

o Practice gratitude: as often as you can. Focusing on the positive aspects in your life will help you stay positive and optimistic.

o Visualise future success: picturing yourself achieving your goals can boost your confidence and motivation.

o Surround yourself with positive people: and other influences such as uplifting books, motivational podcasts, or supportive individuals. Optimism is actually contagious and can keep you in a positive mindset.

It’s time to plan for life after redundancy

Regularly undertaking these 5 practices should help you to feel more confident and ready for the next step - planning for the future and taking action.

Consider what you want to achieve and how you’re going to get there. Establish both short- and longer-term goals for yourself and break them down into easy steps.

Having clarity about your future will help you recognise opportunities when they crop up.

Going through redundancy is undoubtedly challenging, but remember, it's a temporary setback. You can build your confidence and come out stronger on the other side – you have the power to define your future success and happiness.

Need help with deciding your next steps? Take a read of my new blog: Navigating Redundancy: Next Steps for the Immediate Future.

Seeking help after being made redundant

One of the most important lessons I learned throughout my own redundancy experience is that you can’t go it alone.

You need people to help you, to support you, to advocate for you, to believe in you, or to introduce you to other people.

Help might come from someone you already know, a work colleague or mentor, or you might want to work with a Leadership Coach, like me, who can provide the help and support to get through your redundancy.

If you know you'd like additional support and individual help to not only bounce back but to take positive and empowering steps forward, get in touch with me and ask about my bespoke 1:1 Redundancy Recovery Programme.

Why choose the Redundancy Recovery Programme?

Personalised approach – this isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The programme is crafted to address your specific challenges, aspirations, and goals.

Expert guidance - benefit from the insights and strategies of a Leadership Coach who has navigated the challenges of redundancy and emerged stronger.

Holistic support – in addition to the leadership career guidance, the programme focuses on your well-being, resilience, and overall personal development.

Proven results – previous participants have not only rebounded from redundancy but have gone on to achieve new heights in their careers.

Let me support you because redundancy needn't be the end of the world. Sometimes, it can mean the start of a new one.

Jackie