Surviving the anxiety of redundancy

There is unfortunately no avoiding it; the economy is struggling and more of us are getting a letter that says, “As discussed at our meeting earlier today, I am very sorry to confirm that you have been selected for redundancy.”

I’ve been there a couple of times in my working life. The effect can be like the grief experienced in bereavements, such as the initial shock of the job going, the anger aimed at management, the company owners and your more fortunate colleagues escaping the chop, and of course, depression. Hopefully, towards the end, we find a way to accept what is happening - often this is easier said than done.

There are other impacts that come with it, such as worrying about how we’re going to pay the bills, uncertainty over keeping the mortgage going, and the anxiety of the personal loss of close friends and work colleagues. There is also the loss of status and self-image because the person we were at work will no longer exist, and the guilt and self-doubt that goes with it. It may even trigger past trauma where we feel we have failed. And that stress may transfer onto those that are closest to us – our family.

How to deal with redundancy anxiety

Firstly, all those feelings are normal. Understand that there will be days when you feel depressed, angry, and anxious. Like in the stages of grief, you will bounce from one emotion to the other. Secondly, remember that it’s not you – it's them. The job is going for economic, technical, or operational reasons, not because of anything you have done.

Then it's time to look at yourself objectively. Make a list of your values, strengths, successes, qualifications, and experience – this will show that inner voice of self-doubt inside you that you are a valid and valuable individual, as well as being really useful for those job applications and interviews. Go over that list regularly, use it for self-affirmation when you feel down.

One of the big anxiety stressors is the sudden lack of control, so start making a plan. Plan your finances, plan your job searches, when you’re getting up in the morning, search the web for opportunities, making phone calls to prospective employers. And don’t forget to plan things for yourself, such as exercise, meditation, taking the dog or the family for a walk, and getting decent sleep. Take control of what you can.

The biggest thing is to talk and take control of your feelings. Talk about your emotions with your friends and family, and share your experiences with your work colleagues. Take advantage of your company’s employee assistance programme if it has one, or seek counselling through your GP or through local voluntary organisations that specialise in counselling. Find a counsellor that can help you with your self-esteem, develop an action plan and support you in managing your emotional state through the search for that new job.

Redundancy is a difficult time for anyone. By being open about your feelings, using your strengths as self-affirmation, planning the future, looking after yourself, and talking about your emotions- the difficult time becomes survivable.