Finding yourself suddenly out of a job might sound like your worst nightmare. But it doesn't have to be...
Redundancy offers you the chance to rethink the direction of your career and make major life changes. Who knows – it might just be the best thing that ever happened to you!
Remember your rights Firstly, don’t take your redundancy personally - it’s your job that has been dropped, not you. Your employer is not allowed to make you redundant for personal reasons (such as your personality or performance) 0 they must have genuine commercial grounds. Furthermore, your employer should also give you notice, consult with you beforehand, and follow a "fair process" in making redundancies. If you believe you have been dismissed unjustifiably, raise a personal grievance claim with the Department of Labour.
Get back into the market
So you loved your job and you’re dying to find a similar position somewhere else? Don’t waste time - get on the internet or on the phone and start making contact with potential employers. The most effective method of job hunting is to research companies you’d like to work for and approach them directly. You’ll probably need to update your CV - there are plenty of websites and books out there to help you.
Most importantly, tell everyone you know that you're looking for a job. Yes, even your grandmother. More people keeping an eye out for you means greater chances of finding something.
Time for a change? If you weren’t entirely happy in your last job, take the opportunity to reassess what you were doing. Would you benefit from changing industries or even careers? If you’re considering a switch, you’ll need to sit down and figure out what your ideal position is, what skills and knowledge you already have, and what you’ll need in order to capture that dream job.
You might want to do this with a careers counsellor, or with a book to guide you through the process - ‘What Colour is Your Parachute?’ by Richard Bolles is a top choice.
Makeover your lifestyle Maybe you’re not ready to re-enter the job market just yet. Maybe you’ve been considering a bigger change in your life. Now that you’re no longer employed, you’re free to pursue some of those goals and dreams you’ve set aside. Got a project you’ve been putting off? Do it! Missed out on your OE? Travel or move overseas! It’s easy to get a working holiday visa for another country if you’re under 26.
Alternatively, spend some time on a volunteering project either here or abroad. You never know - it might help you figure out what you really want to do. Check out www.volunteer.org.nz for inspiration.
Recapture your routine Losing your job is disorienting – suddenly you have nothing to do and no commitments to fill your week. It's important to create a routine and set some goals so that you feel like you're achieving something. Staying busy will also help you to stay positive about your job search. Pick up a new hobby, invite your friends over and make a deliciously complicated meal from scratch, or set some fitness goals and take the opportunity to shape up. Also, enjoy the extra time you have – you won't have it for long!
Firstly, don’t take your redundancy personally - it’s your job that has been dropped, not you. Your employer is not allowed to make you redundant for personal reasons (such as your personality or performance) 0 they must have genuine commercial grounds. Furthermore, your employer should also give you notice, consult with you beforehand, and follow a "fair process" in making redundancies. If you believe you have been dismissed unjustifiably, raise a personal grievance claim with the Department of Labour.
Get back into the market
Time for a change?
Makeover your lifestyle