Carrying the Emotion

When we are made redundant, it is an emotional time, not only for ourselves, our families as well feel it.

So it is key to seek support, financial as well as emotional.

One of the big issues that I see when I recruit, is that all to often people who have been made redundant come to an interview bitter about their last job.

What the company had done, how unfair it was.

Their focus is on the past not the future, they are not positive.

Now, from an employers perspective, do I want to bring this person on board, who may create a negative environment......

So you go to your interviews driving into the future, not looking into the rear view mirror of the past.

The year ahead

2011 looks good for employment, the signs in the market are excellent for empolymnet.

So what should you look at, make yourself transportable, look at your skills and abilities.

Often when we are made redundant it is not about us, the role is redundant.

All to often we develop around a role, we grow up with it, so when redundancy comes, our skills maybe lacking.

It is never to late to go back to school.

I often coach people in their 40's who have complete career changes, we do this with a number of psychometric tools.

Just because we a in a certain job, does not mean we are happy with what we do.....

Make 2011 the year of growth and development

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

source http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=89.579

If you notice any behavioural changes that last for more than two weeks in family members or friends, then it is worth asking if the person may be depressed.

Common behaviour associated with depression includes:

• moodiness that is out of character
• increased irritability and frustration
• finding it hard to take minor personal criticisms
• spending less time with friends and family
• loss of interest in food, sex, exercise or other pleasurable activities
• being awake throughout the night
• increased alcohol and drug use
• staying home from work or school
• increased physical health complaints like fatigue or pain
• being reckless or taking unnecessary risks (e.g. driving fast or dangerously)
• slowing down of thoughts and actions.

Checklists to Identify Depression

Below are links to some simple checklists that are quick, easy and confidential. These questions are designed to help you reflect on your situation or that of someone close to you. They will not provide a diagnosis - for that you need to see a professional. However, they will tell you if you have symptoms that are common in people with depression. If you think that you or someone you know has depression, please consult a doctor.

Interactive Depression Checklist.
Sphere Questionnaire.
K10.

So how do we minimise the impact redundancy has on our lives?

sourced from http://redgiraffesearch.com/nine-strategies-to-deal-with-redundancy/

1. Ensure you don’t place all your eggs in one basket! Live for life not for work. Most of us struggle with the notion of leaving work at the office. With the emergence of mobile technology, faster broadband speed and information at our fingertips, full-time employment no longer means a 38-hour week. Employees are committing themselves to longer hours, an approach that is not conducive to finding a work/life balance. Develop interests outside of work that allow you the time to gather your thoughts, re-focus and renew your confidence

2. Anticipation minimises complacency. Remember this! No matter how many pats on the back, accolades or commendations you receive in the work environment always accept that you are ultimately dispensable. Your superiors are dispensable and their superiors are dispensable. Taking this approach will also ensure that should other viable opportunities surface, the window is open. Through anticipating certain outcomes, the tendency to take for granted your work environment is also minimised.

3. Consistently maintain relationships with recruiters and industry contacts. The relationships you maintain through this process may prove to be your saving grace should the ugly beast of redundancy present itself. Having a reputable recruitment agency representing you adds value to your perception as a professional. You will also come to appreciate just how marketable you really are. Flattery to the ego has never done a human harm!

4. Have a contingency plan. Without focusing on redundancy, one can still plan for the unexpected. Setting up an emergency fund with 6 months’ wages allows for the option of taking 6 months off work during the transition of finding employment. Other contingency plans may include accepting contract assignments in the interim while you submit applications.

5. Once the shock has settled in embrace the redundancy process. Accept the outcome and move forward. Don’t dwell on the situation but focus on the solution. The more energy you give redundancy, the less productive your job search process will be. Take a philosophical view and accept redundancy as a positive change in your life.

6. Re-write your resume. This will ensure you are well prepared for any interviews that take place at short notice. Through rewriting a professional resume you will become familiar with your responsibilities, achievements and key competencies. Should any last minute interview opportunities arise you will be well positioned to attend.

7. Attend an outplacement OR job skills program. This will help you gain some direction prior to attending to your search and likely boost your confidence. Outplacement services vary in price from $750 – $2000. Generally speaking it is money well spent.

8. Optimise your ability to cope with this change by paying attention to your general health. Maintain regular exercise, eat healthy food and stay committed to looking after yourself. It is not common for individuals to take refuge in nutritious food when times are challenging. Your mind and body need nourishment during challenging times.

9. Don’t buy pessimism. During times of uncertainty the cheapest commodity is pessimism. If you want to hear it, ask others for their opinions! Remain focused at all times and don’t let others detract you from finding a solution.

Dealing with the emotional impact

Sourced from http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=4.1095&print=true

Are there any particular worries or concerns that I can't get out of my mind? If so, what are they?
How much exercise am I getting?
What is my sleep and diet like?
Am I drinking alcohol, smoking or taking drugs more than before the loss?
How is my general health? Should I go to the doctor for a check up?
Are there any pre-existing medical conditions that may be aggravated by a period of stress?
Do I have family members and friends to whom I can turn for support?

Tips to help you stay on top of your emotions

• Write down your worries. You may find it useful to write down your worries and concerns and then use the problem-solving strategies to identify some practical steps you can take to address those issues. Identify the specific feelings you are experiencing and the concern/worry that may be underlying each of these feelings. For example, are you worried about not being able to pay the rent or your mortgage, or are you feeling worried or ashamed about losing your job? Writing these down may help you decide which issues to tackle first.
  
  
• Get support. Identify friends and family members who you can talk to and who will help you to remain positive.
  
  
• Stay healthy. Try to maintain a balanced diet and get some regular exercise, for example, walking. Evidence shows regular exercise can boost mood . See beyondblue Fact sheet 30 - Healthy eating and Fact sheet 8 - Keeping active.
  
  
• Avoid drugs and alcohol. You may be tempted to 'self-medicate' or try to temporarily escape your reality. Not only can drugs and alcohol worsen your emotional state and increase your risk of developing depression, they will also place a further drain on your finances. See beyondblue Fact sheet 9 - Reducing alcohol and other drugs.
  
  
• If you do have a pre-existing medical condition that may be aggravated by stress, talk to your doctor to see if there is anything you can do to minimise any negative effects.
  
  
• Don't expect to have all the answers. Remind yourself that it's OK to feel unsure about the future.
  
  
• Be patient with yourself. Recovery from any significant loss takes time.
  
  
• Draw on your strengths. Try to recall when you've had a tough time which you've managed to overcome in the past. Think about what worked then and apply it to your current situation.
  
  
• Choose your news. During this time, you're likely to be exposed regularly to sensational and pessimistic media reports about the economic downturn. Think objectively about what you see or read in the media and try not to get swept up in unnecessary panic.
  
  
• Realise you are not alone. Take comfort in knowing the feeling of uncertainty you're experiencing is being shared by many others. By sharing your story with supportive friends and colleagues, you may find they're going through a similar situation.
  
  
• Try to see the positives. Many people have made positive changes to their lives during a crisis such as loss of job or finances. While this is difficult to do while you're in the midst of the crisis, you can try to view this time of uncertainty as an opportunity to re-evaluate your goals and perhaps take on new challenges.
  
  
• Don't obsess or ignore. It may be tempting to keep constantly checking the financial news or conversely, to completely ignore your financial problems e.g. not opening bills. Try not to do either. Think about the routine you had before the economic downturn and try to stick to it, e.g. paying bills as you receive them.

The Do's and Don'ts if made redundant

Information source3ced from http://www.iffp.com.au /redundancy_doanddont.html

o	Don't
Ensure you receive a schedule of payments from your employer, and that you have a clear understanding of what you will receive in your redundancy package.	Accept a redundancy package before looking at the conditions of your Industrial or Employment Agreement. Visit workplace.gov.au for more information.
Check your level of insurance cover and conditions with your industry super fund.	Just assume that your schedule of payments has been calculated correctly. Check with your trade union, professional association or a qualified Financial Planner.
Try to remain positive and take control of the situation without letting it take control of you.	Make any sudden investment decisions with your lump sum or accumulated super.
Consider your options carefully. Keep an open mind and ensure you use your redundancy package in the most effective way possible.	Refuse assistance from people or organisations that can help or offer support.
Contact your industry super fund to talk about your options. Ask to speak to an IFFP financial planner.	Spend your redundancy payment without giving full consideration to how your package can best be used in your circumstances.
Seek emotional support if you feel overwhelmed by the situation.	Allow the situation to overwhelm and take control of you.
Record and prioritise all your essential and non-essential living expenses to help plan a budget and track your financial commitments.	Put off speaking to your financial provider if you have any outstanding loans or debts. They may be able to provide you with a new repayment plan to take into account your circumstances.

What should I do if made redundant?

Information available fromhttp://www.iffp.com.au/redundancy_what.html

The options you may be considering are likely to vary depending on your life stage, your personal and family priorities, skills and financial position.

If you have experienced a redundancy, the following considerations can help you take back control of your life:

1. Insurance Cover - contact with your super fund to see if you have Death, Total & Permanent Disability (TPD) and/or Income Protection. Confirm the level of cover and your ongoing eligibility and conditions.



2. Assets - Prepare a list of the assets you own or partially own, including:


• How much you owe on each
• A realistic estimate of their market value
• Calculate your equity (the proportion that you actually own) in each asset by subtracting any amount you owe on it from the estimated market value.


3. Loans and debts - Prepare a list of your loans and any other debts, such as amounts outstanding on credit cards, personal or car loans, or deferred payments for goods. Against each item, record:



• The amount owing
• The amount you repay monthly
• The applicable interest rates for them
• Whether or not there are penalties for late payment
• Whether there are penalties for early repayment

Then, add all these amounts up so that you have a full understanding of the total amount you owe and how much you will need to meet your monthly repayments. If you think that you might experience difficulty meeting your repayments, there may be alternatives available to you. For home mortgage holders made redundant, many banks are now offering up to 12 months deferral of payments.


4. Living expenses - Which expenses for day-to-day living are essentail and which could you realistically economise or suspend altogether? List your living expenses in 2 categories:



1. Essential expenses
• Mortgage payments or rent
• Utilties - electricity, water & phone
• Groceries etc
• Insurance oover (house, contents & car)
• School fees


2. Non-essential expenses:
• Consider cutting back on these expenses and reduce spending where you can
• Record the monthly amount you spend on each item
• Use an online budget planner to help you track your expenditure


5. Your skills & abilities - Taking stock of your 'personal assets' is as important as understanding and managing your current financial position.


• What skills would you bring to a new endeavour or employer?
• Would you find any satisfactory outlet for exercising your abilities if you retired early?
• What would you do with your days?