Redundancy-an Opportunity For Development

If you have fallen victim to redundancy, it can be a real blow to your ego. You might think that you are useless-that your best working days are behind you. You might wonder if you will ever be a vital part of the workforce again. However, while redundancy can be painful, it also represents an opportunity for growth. You can take advantage of redundancy so that, in the end, you are even better off professionally than you were before.

Definition of terms

Redundancy is a type of dismissal-but it is a very specific type. A dismissal represents a redundancy if the employer's business has stopped operating; the business has moved to a different location; or the need for your particular kind of work has disappeared or diminished.

Examples of redundancy

There are numerous examples where redundancy comes into play. For instance, your employer might be transitioning into a new line of business that no longer needs your job skills. Or your job duties might have been taken over by other workers. Another possibility is that the workplace has shut down because the employer has stopped trading, or the business has become insolvent. In other situations, your job might be reduced to part-time status because of a decreasing need for your kind of work. If the employer was a sole proprietor and dies, you might also be a victim of redundancy.

First steps

If you are facing redundancy, there are some initial steps you can take in order to improve your position. For instance, you might see if your company would be willing to invest in re-training for you. Job skills are often transferable and, with just a little bit of training, you can learn to master a new position. Even if your company is unwilling or unable to pay for it, you might consider re-training. You can think of the expense as an investment in your future.

Begin (or resume) networking

This may be the perfect time to put your networking skills to use. By talking to other professional people, you might learn about jobs requiring your qualifications. As a result of your networking, you might learn about positions that are not widely publicized. Also, your networking contacts can provide you with moral support as you face redundancy.

A phase of your career

You should think of redundancy as a phase in your career, rather than the end of your career. If you are dedicated and a conscientious learner, you can master the new skills you need for another position. Also, maintaining a positive attitude will help to ensure that you are in the best possible position as you begin your job search.

No hard feelings

Resist the urge to criticize your employer for the redundancy. It may simply be beyond his or her control. Also, complaining about the redundancy will not make you any more employable. Recognize that you must simply say goodbye to your old job and begin contemplating new opportunities.

Click here to go to the next career article - Restarting your career after unemployment

Click here to see the full list of career articles.

Click here to see the full career article library.

Make Employers Chase You, With an Irresistible Resume and Cover Letter in Just 24-48 Hours by Your Own Certified Resume Writer.

Free Resume Critique. Webpage resumes, ASCII resumes, Resume posting, Resume distribution.

Professional-Resumes.com