From shock to strategy: thriving after sudden career loss
Catherine Parson
Passionate about empowering Technology and Financial Services senior executives & professionals in their career progression | Career Change | Job Hunting | Redundancy Consult | Mock-Up Interviewing | Talent Acquisition
Since I have been an executive search consultant and a career coach, I have met a number of successful executives being asked to leave in an abrupt way, with hardly any explanations.
Some of them find themselves with their work devices blocked even before they are given the news.
Shocking, right? The thing is that anyone can find themselves in that situation. Sadly there are not many ways to forecast such events.
Typically, these redundancies are due to:
An M&A, a change in Product development or Go-to-Market strategy, a change in the management team above them, or a lack of overall company performance and the best paid have to go.
And at times, simply because one of the executives, having an intimate relationship with the CEO or a senior director, gets promoted and starts making irrational decisions. Yes, I have seen this!
These changes, often sudden and seemingly without empathy, can come as a shock. It’s a jarring experience, especially when you’re a strong performer who’s given your best to the organisation.
However, as difficult as these moments can be, they also present an opportunity to reflect, regroup, and reposition yourself for future success. In this newsletter, I want to share two essential strategies for navigating this challenging phase: maintaining a resilient mindset and taking actionable steps to find the right next role.
1. How to Retain a Great Mindset in the Face of Rejection
When you’re suddenly made redundant, it’s natural to feel caught off guard or even betrayed. But your response to this situation can shape how quickly—and successfully—you bounce back.
Here are some key strategies to help you maintain a positive, resilient mindset:
??Hire a good employment lawyer: make sure that you cover with them all your rights so that you don't lose on any due bonuses, due holidays or in some cases due commissions. If possible ask the employer through your lawyer for a good recommendation letter.
??Reframe the Situation: Remember that redundancy is often a business decision, not a personal indictment of your value or performance. Viewing this as an external, strategic shift rather than a personal rejection can help you focus on the opportunity ahead, rather than the setback.
??Allow Yourself to Process: It’s okay to feel frustrated, disappointed, or even angry. But don’t dwell in these emotions. Acknowledge them, process them, take a holiday if your finances permit and then pivot to forward-thinking. Speaking to a trusted mentor or coach can help you put things in perspective.
??Focus on Your Strengths: Reflect on your successes, the skills you’ve acquired, and the accomplishments you’re proud of. Reaffirming your value helps rebuild confidence, which is critical as you start to explore new opportunities.
??Practice self-care: either through regular exercise, or attend mediation classes or any regular activity that takes you out of the house and make you connect with other people or nature. Do not isolate.
??Surround Yourself with Support: Engage with a network of peers, friends, or mentors who can offer encouragement and guidance. Conversations with others who have experienced similar transitions can provide valuable perspective and help you see that you’re not alone in this journey.
??Keep a Growth Mindset: Remember, careers are rarely linear. Each transition, even one that feels forced, can lead to personal and professional growth. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” or “How can this pivot benefit my long-term trajectory?”
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2. Steps to Take to Land a New Role in the Right Company
Once you’ve regained your footing, it’s time to take proactive steps toward finding your next opportunity. Rather than rushing into the first available position, be strategic in identifying roles that align with your strengths, values, and career aspirations.
Here’s a roadmap for moving forward:
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??Clarify Your Value Proposition: Take stock of your unique skills, experiences, and the value you bring to an organisation. What have you accomplished that sets you apart? Articulate this clearly in your resume, LinkedIn profile, and conversations with recruiters.
??Leverage Your Network: Reach out to your professional network—not just to ask for opportunities, but to have meaningful conversations about the industry, trends, and potential opportunities. Let people know you’re looking, but also focus on building and nurturing relationships.
??Collect good recommendations from your clients, or some colleagues you trust and get them displayed on your LinkedIn profile.
??Work with Specialised Recruiters: Partnering with recruiters who focus on your industry or level of expertise can significantly broaden your reach. They can connect you with opportunities that might not be publicly advertised and offer insights into the market landscape. Contact at least 20. The more the better.
??Be Selective: This is your chance to find a company and a role that align with your long-term goals. Don’t rush into a position out of fear. Take the time to research companies’ cultures, leadership styles, and product or market strategies to ensure they are a good fit for your skills and values.
??Prepare for Interviews with Confidence: Be ready to explain your recent transition confidently and professionally. Letting anger perspire in the interview will not put you in a good light. Frame it as a learning experience that has sharpened your focus on what you want to achieve next. Employers will respect your resilience and ability to handle change.
??Consider Executive Coaching: An executive coach can provide invaluable support during this time, helping you refine your personal brand, focus on your strengths, and strategise the next steps in your career. Having someone in your corner can make the process smoother and more intentional.
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No matter how abrupt or disheartening a job transition may be, the key is to keep a long-term view. This period of uncertainty can ultimately lead to better alignment between your talents and a company that values them.
Remember, resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges—it’s about how you rise after experiencing them. Take this opportunity to regroup, refine your goals, and pursue the role that truly fits your career aspirations.
If you are employed and not yet in that situation, try "to sniff the red flags" that could lead to a redundancy and work with a career coach to attract the right opportunities to you.
?? If you’re going through a transition or simply want to chat about your career strategy, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help.
Until next week....
Warm regards,
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Career Coach - Mentor - Talent Acquisition Consultant
My website: www.principleselection.com
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Helping career-focused professionals elevate, evaluate, and explore career options and goals.
3 周Unfortunately, with the integration of AI, your scenario will be replicated because companies will focus on their bottom line rather than their human capital.
Helping CEOs and Directors Achieve Peak Performance | Executive Coach for CEOs, Directors and Boards | Transformative Accountability Partnership | Award-Winning 90-Day High-Performance Director Program
3 周It’s incredibly disheartening to witness talent being blindsided by decisions that often seem so arbitrary Catherine Parson your experience highlights the need for companies to prioritise transparency and truly value their top performers—how can we shift this culture?
I specialize in increasing top-line and bottom-line revenue by aligning sales, distribution, and business strategies for mid to large-scale businesses | Business strategy consultant | Book a call now
4 周I can relate to that feeling of shock-such sudden changes can be tough. It’s great that you turned your experience into an opportunity for growth! Catherine Parson
Ghost Writer | I Help Small Businesses and Creatives Do Big Things From a Small Place with Great Content Writing ?? | STORYTELLER Small brands/Creatives do have great stories and insights to share with the world!
4 周It’s really sad and I do believe companies can do better because employees are human beings who have dedicated their time and resources to your company. The least you can do is explain and connect them to another role if possible. I really like the part where you went on another vacation??
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4 周Catherine Parson It is the same reason why I think corporations trying to sell “we are a family” kind of story are all hypocrites. “Families” will never fired members because the latter are too expensive. In fact, families will never fired members. Point final.