You were made redundant. Now what?

I’m aware that many of our colleagues across Australia and overseas have recently been made redundant. I’m so sorry you’re going through this. It’s a gut punch, and it lands hard.

A redundancy can feel deeply personal, even though it isn’t. Your capability hasn’t changed. What has changed is your organisation’s priorities, cost base, or operating model. That distinction matters, even if it doesn’t make the moment any easier.

This is a tough place to stand, and it’s okay to acknowledge that. Let it sting, let it settle, and take the time you need to regroup. When you’re ready to look ahead, here are the steps that helped me when I found myself in the same situation.

Look after your mindset. Seriously!

A redundancy can shake you, but it doesn’t define you. It’s a human response to a hard moment. Build a weekly routine that maintains your momentum and sense of direction:

• Exercise
• Community
• Learning
• Take on a project that makes you feel useful, eg paint a room or build something.
• Dare I say it, read the ConsultantCafe back catalogue

Secure the basics

Before you start rewriting your future, lock down the fundamentals.

• Understand your redundancy package: payout, leave, notice, tax impacts.
• Register with relevant government services if needed.
• Update your budget for the next 3 to 6 months
• Seek advice if you need to.

Treat this as a strategic inflection point

Some of the best careers or businesses are born out of forced pivots.

Ask yourself:

• What kind of work gives me energy?
• What environments bring out my best?
• What do I want my next chapter to look like? Then design toward it.
• Engage with all those ideas you have always had, but never had the time to consider

Decide your direction — three simple paths

1. The quickest path back to stable income is likely to be to apply for roles similar to the ones you left.
2. Shift lanes. A different industry, level, or capability.
3. Choose an entirely new path that keeps your energy high and your cash flow secure. Could you start a business, join the APS for something altogether new, or learn a trade?

Reconnect

Redundancy creates an immediate identity wobble. Try not to retreat. The quickest way to stabilise it is with momentum.

• Reach out to former colleagues and/or clients
• Meet two people you admire for a coffee
• Join or re-engage with a professional community, Slack group or LinkedIn circle to reconnect with those who appreciate you and your skills.

Refresh your professional presence

Your digital footprint is your brochure.

• Update your LinkedIn headline and summary
• Refresh your CV (2 pages, outcomes not duties)
• Share one genuine post about your transition. Don't make it a pity post; make it a professional reset post. This attracts allies
• Reach out to consulting firms that are doing interesting things related to your wheelhouse and are likely growing

Actively shape opportunities

Most roles are won before they’re advertised.

• Ask people, “Who should I be talking to next?”
• Offer value: send an article, insight, or quick point of view
• If you’re consulting, pull together a simple one-page capability statement. Small steps compound.

Give yourself permission to be excited about the possibilities

Redundancy is closing time for one chapter and opening time for another.

When the dust settles, most people say the same thing:

“It turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me.”

All the best with your endeavours. Share your journey here.