Navigating the storm of an unintended career change

A year ago, I walked into what I thought was a routine "catch-up" meeting, only to find myself blindsided by news of a company restructure. An external labour consultant was present, and just like that, my entire world shifted. I know I’m not alone in this experience—two close friends have recently gone through the same ordeal. Yet, in that moment, it felt uniquely personal and overwhelming.?

I remember the panic—the sheer terror and dread. How would I support my family? Would I lose everything I had worked for? Was my world about to crumble around me? Trust me, in those moments, your mind can wander to some very dark places.?

But here I am, a year later, reflecting on what was an incredibly challenging experience , and I’d like to share the lessons I learned that helped me navigate through to where I am today.??

Lesson 1: Embrace Your Emotions??

It’s perfectly normal, especially in light of a major shake-up, to feel sad, disappointed, or even angry. You need to acknowledge these emotions; don’t bottle them up. Suppressed feelings will eventually surface, and it’s better for your health and sense of closure to address them sooner rather than later. For the first month, I was filled with anxiety and nervous energy, and I let myself feel that way. I exercised daily to clear my mind and manage that energy constructively.???

Lesson 2: Don’t Underestimate Yourself???

In the aftermath of difficult events, it’s easy to doubt your worth and abilities. Sit down and make a list of your contributions, achievements, and skills. These are invaluable to acknowledge. Recognise your value and remind yourself of what you bring to the table. Engage people around you and ask them to share how they see you. We can forget our strengths when we stay in the dark.?

Lesson 3: Leverage Your Network?

Reach out to everyone you know via phone, email, or LinkedIn. Schedule catch-up coffees, virtual meetings, and more. Opportunities often arise from the most unexpected places. You need to know your capabilities and value. Get to it and update your CV to highlight outcomes and achievements. Keep it simple and straightforward while avoiding overly complex infographics that might hinder automated CV parsing tools used by recruiters.??

Lesson 4: Maintain Discipline and Consistency???

Create a plan for your job search or business venture. Determine how many CVs you need to send out, how many jobs to apply for, and set up alerts on job boards and LinkedIn. Connect with hiring managers at companies you’re interested in. Arrange those coffee meetings and work on your "project" with diligence every single day. The more lines you have in the water, the higher your chances of success.???

Lesson 5: This Too Shall Pass??

In the midst of such turmoil, it can feel like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. Try to live in the moment because worrying about what could happen will only add to your anxiety. As a single mother supporting a parent, I knew I had to make a plan. I had to think creatively and hustle, even if it was just for the short to medium term.???

Lesson 6: Unexpected Gifts???

At the time, the experience felt like an unwelcome life lesson. However, with enough distance, you can see it as the gift it truly is. It’s an opportunity to try something new, to reinvent yourself, and to reconnect with what you’re truly good at. Embrace this chance to pursue your passions and strengths.???

While the journey was tough, it was also transformative. By acknowledging my emotions, valuing myself, leveraging my network, maintaining discipline, living in the moment, and embracing unexpected gifts, I navigated through the storm and ended up in a much brighter place. Good luck to anyone else going through this at the moment – you will prevail. ??

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