So, you’ve been made redundant – and regardless of whether it was mutual, ‘voluntary’ or completely out of the blue, it’s far from an uplifting moment.
But if the legion of post-scandal rebrands from pop stars (hello, Britney’s Blackout, Justin Bieber’s ‘Sorry’, Meghan Trainor leaving that adult store with Juni Cortez from Spy Kids) has taught us anything, it’s that you can come back stronger than ever before. Here’s what you can do to turn a not-so great time into an opportunity.
CHEQUE, CHEQUE
First things first: how are your finances looking? You’ve been paid some sort of severance package, but is it correct? Take a look at your contract and make sure you’ve been paid accordingly, and be sure to use the ATO’s estimation services if anything looks suspicious.
You have 21 days after being made redundant to file an application with the Fair Work Commission, so you gotta look into this all straight away.
While we’re on the topic of money, you pretty much immediately have to work out a budget too. How long will your pay hold you out for, if you have no other source of income? By what stage do you need another job, and by when do you absolutely have to get another job?
That budget will be your framework for your next steps forward and let you know how much time you have to work it all out.
SEEK GUIDANCE
Redundancy can shake your foundations loose, and that’s completely understandable. It can be hard feeling that constant need to justify yourself to friends, family and ex-colleagues, especially if you’re feeling uncertain yourself.
If you’re noticing your anxiety swell, negative thoughts swirl or feelings of worth deflate, then it’s best to talk to professionals who can assist with your mental health.
Lifeline Australia is a solid immediate resource, but for the longer term you should consider seeking out a psychologist – as a reminder, Australian’s are entitled to ten 100%-Medicare rebated sessions a year if referred by their GP.
TAKE A SEC
After you’ve sorted your finances, it’s important to take a step back. Unless your dream job is standing right in front of you, it’s worth taking a little time off before applying for anything, if you can afford to.
It might not appear like it – and I know it’s not super fun to hear – but this can definitely be a blessing in disguise.
With a little leeway to weigh up your future, you should reconsider those big questions: did you like your job? Your career? What do you want to change? What do you need? Will Madonna play Australia again, or did you miss your chance not going to the Rebel Heart tour, even though you didn’t love the album but still, your friend showed you some videos of the ‘Vogue’ medley and oh no, you really should have gone, hey?
A session with a careers advisor could help, if your future’s feeling a little murky.
Of course, you should treat yourself too, and if you’re in no financial rush, then take your time. If not, be sure to not stress yourself too much: even if it’s as simple as going to that exhibit you hadn’t had time to catch, it’s important to focus on yourself, not just your career.
KEEP A ROUTINE
Few of us thrive off a lack of structure, and while the idea of sleeping in and taking it easy has an obvious draw, it slides all too smoothly into sloth-like habits.
Once you’ve taken a week or so, it’s time to treat your days like you would normally. Aim to get up at the same time each day, have tasks to do, set goals, get dressed even if you’re not leaving the house until later that day. Those sorts of things. Otherwise you’ll end up binge-watching shows while scrolling on your phone, then going to bed feeling useless. A day here and there is fun and fine, but it’s not conductive for your mental health.
UPGRADE YOURSELF
Finding that you’re missing a couple of core skills for the next step, or just wanting to keep your brain’s cogs clear of rust? There’s plenty of short (and online) low-cost courses you can take to prep you for work, whether that’s as targeted as a Photoshop or MYOB 101 to something more open-ended like a leadership course.
CLEAN UP ON AISLE ME
Back to that idea of bettering yourself: now’s a great time to work on lost resolutions or previously untenable goals. Wanted to read more and go for runs? Great. Wanna brush up on your ~la Français~? Bien!
Career-wise, it’s time to give your resumé and online presence a good update with new skills, edits and more. When was the last time you looked at your LinkedIn?
VOLUNTEER
Help yourself by helping the world. We’re sure there’s one place you’ve always wanted to volly at but just never had the darn time. Guess what pals? You do now.
For maximum fulfilment, we’d recommend gravitating to something more community based. To get the ball rolling, we’re going to suggest mentoring with the good folks at AIME, training to run LGBTIQA+ support and sex education workshops at ACON, Twenty10, or Minus18, or reaching out to the isolated elderly through programs like Meals On Wheels and the like.
Or, you know, just run away to Berlin and work your way through the DJ circuit as a mysterious deep-house revolutionary, eventually headlining The Berghain. You do you.
Image source: Boogie Nights/New Line Cinema
