I have been made redundant, what should I do next?

The first and most important thing to say is that you are not alone. Large numbers of people are unemployed or underemployed at present, and for some there are few prospects of full employment in the short term. There is an old saying that ‘what you resist persists’ and sometimes denying what is happening around you prevents you from moving on. For some, the current economic crisis can be turned into an opportunity to do things that they would not normally attempt at this stage of their lives. Here are some suggestions we have made to those in this position recently:

Work for free: Do you know anyone who works for a charity or an under-funded social agency that could do with some help? Do any of your neighbours run a small businesses who might appreciate a few days of your time to help with things like planning, administration, telesales or even cleaning? Offer your services for a few days here and there, particularly to people who work in your area of interest. It will get you motivated, will help you to fill in the days while you continue with your job-search, and may even lead to other opportunities.

Go back to school: Take this opportunity to reskill or upskill. There are plenty of courses out there that you could take, and for once you have the time to do them. Look at online courses as well as evening classes and weekend workshops as you can attend these without it interfering with your job search and you can continue with them when you start working again. Even if you do not want to go on a formal course go online and study something for free or get a good self-learning book from the library.

Consider setting up your own business: Buy a good guidebook or go on a course with your local enterprise board. Even if nothing comes of it will be an invaluable experience and a good way to learn whether or not you are cut out for going it alone.Set aside a year to try a different job: You have time on your hands so why not have a go at something you have always wanted to try but could not find the time to do? Avoid ‘pie-in-the-sky jobs’ and focus on something you already have an interest in e.g. a hobby or sport.