The recent collapse of the world’s oldest travel operator has left over 9,000 staff in the UK out of work. This has been one of the main news pieces in Britain over the past couple of weeks and it has made me think about the impact of redundancy on so many individuals and their families. From the interviews of those affected, it is clear that Thomas Cook had many loyal employees, a large number had worked at the company for years, sometimes decades.
Any redundancy can be an enormously stressful time and it is especially hard if it does not come with a severance package, as in this case. During this time, it is important to remain positive. Being proactive is the best way to get over the damage caused and set yourself on the best path to recovery, working towards your next career goal and securing a new job.
Get set, get goal-setting
Many of the individuals employed by Thomas Cook have been left without compensation and even without their salary for the month. This is a very stressful situation to be left in, with some families wondering how they will pay their mortgage and bills. In instances such as this, the priority is on finding a job as quickly as possible. This is where a proactive approach can make the biggest difference.
For anyone recently made redundant, setting clear goals for each day is key to help you stay focused, and make sure that you don’t fall into the trap of feeling hopeless. You need every ounce of confidence you have to move forward with the next step and secure a new job as quickly as possible. Set a plan to help you stay on track and keep those confidence levels up. That means refreshing your CV, making a list of vacancies and getting in contact with a recruitment agency. Think about networking. Make a list of everyone you know who work in an industry that appeals to you. Speak to them and find out if there are any opportunities that may fit your key skills and talents. Then get applying! Don’t dwell on the past, push forward into the future.
A new beginning
Whilst redundancy can be a difficult and daunting time, it is also a chance to set your sights on new opportunities. You can take stock of your career so far and consider what direction you want to go in next. Don’t forget that whatever role you had in your previous company, you will have core skills that will be transferrable and relevant to other businesses and industries. This is especially true for those affected by the Thomas Cook bankruptcy; they may find it difficult to find another job in the airline industry, for instance, but there is a range of other businesses that would be eager to utilise their skillsets.
Capitalising on your strengths and weaknesses, as well as your experience so far is the best way to catapult yourself into a new career. By demonstrating to interviewers that you have the skills they need for their business, you will be able to secure a new position that could well be even better than the one you had before. Keep positive and remember that you have a lot to offer a new employer.
Finding expert advice
Following a redundancy, it is very common to feel like you have lost control. In my role as a career coach, I focus a lot on crisis management. I help many people who feel like they’ve fallen into a hole and don’t know how to get out. This is where goalsetting and confidence building is most important. It can take just one session to change someone’s perspective and get back a feeling of control.
One of the most important things to remember is that you are not defined by your redundancy. The are many more opportunities available to you, you just need to seek them out. Expert career advice can help you to gain perspective on the issue and make plans for the future. At the same time, my job is all about helping you to understand your strengths, weaknesses and the environments where you will be most comfortable. I will help you every step of the way, from moving on from a crisis to securing a job where you can truly thrive.
For all those affected by sudden and surprise redundancies, there are several steps you can take to make sure you are back on your feet as quickly as possible. You have transferrable skills that will make you an asset to a host of different companies.
If you need a helping hand, please contact me on alice@alicejonescoaching.co.uk.
