Restructure & Redundancy = Release & Renew!

Okay, so I know the words, ‘there’s going to be a restructure’ strike terror in most people’s hearts:  

The uncertainty about job security

The self-doubt that you’ll be okay

The fear of the unknown

AND the lack of control

And redundancy, unless you’re given a big pay-off and lots of gardening leave - and even then - can entail a whole host of feelings, for example: 

From self-doubt -  ‘it’s personal’ ‘They don’t want me’  ‘I’m not good enough,’

To indignant - ‘After all I’ve done’ ‘They don’t appreciate the half of it’

To shame - ‘How am I going to explain to my family?’ ‘What am I now that I’m not working as a (insert job title)?’

Ugh, yes, it can be HORRIBLE. 

When I went through a restructure and redundancy, my team asked me how I felt, and I said, ‘Like chopped liver’.  I was a side dish, and I just wasn’t needed anymore.

And truthfully, restructure and redundancy was THE BEST THING that happened to me.

I’d been umming and ahhing about my next step and suddenly, WHOOSH, I was swept out of the nest and onto the next thing.  

I was released!

Yes, it took me a while to recover - I’d gotten very run down - but the whole thing was the MAKING OF ME.  

Of course, I had a redundancy pay-out to live on for a while so I didn’t immediately have to worry about money and I used that time to do so much!  

It gave me time to stop and consider:

What I really wanted to do

What I could do

AND also try lots of different things

I did all the training and courses I’d wanted to do:

From 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training

To ICF coach certification

To Leadership Circle Profile certification and beyond

I went on a Breath Retreat

Did Aerial yoga

You name it, I did it!

I stopped

I listened

I said YES to everything I wanted to do

And some things I just did for the adventure. 

Having the time and space gave me:

1. The CLARITY I needed about HOW to use my expertise and experience. 

2. The time to REALISE what assets and IMPACT I had

3. How I could PUT BOTH TOGETHER in service of other people and their problems. 

I was renewed! 

Out of that, my CAREER PIVOT was BORN. 

And it came from a sense of purpose and passion. 

And that led to a career that pays AND is so fulfilling. 

So, take heart if you are facing a restructure or redundancy. 

I am living proof it can be a wonderful release and renewal of your career. 

If you want help, I’ve done this Free Masterclass on The 3 Ps of Pivoting. Check it out

And Breathe!!

Tracy