The Redundancy Blanket: Coping with Job Loss, Growth Mindset, and the Power of Connections

A few months ago, I found out that my position at work was being made redundant. Confronted with uncertainty and emotional upheaval, I turned to knitting—a skill I had never practiced before. It started with just a few stitches, then colorful squares, and yesterday, I finally completed an entire blanket. What began as a simple way to cope soon evolved into a profound journey of resilience, self-reflection, and growth.

Redundancy: When Roles Disappear, but People Remain Valuable

At some point in their careers, many professionals will face redundancy. Businesses evolve, organizational structures shift, and suddenly, you might find yourself being told that your role is no longer needed. While this can bring financial worries, the deeper impact is often on self-worth, confidence, and future aspirations. However, redundancy is not a personal failure—it’s a result of business transformation. How you respond in these moments makes all the difference.

Coping Mechanisms: Finding Stability in Uncertainty

Losing a job disrupts routines, financial security, and social connections. Coping with redundancy requires both practical and emotional strategies. Here’s what helped me:

1. Engaging in a Meaningful Activity

Knitting became my personal anchor. With each stitch, I found a sense of stability in an otherwise uncertain time. Engaging in creative activities—whether it’s knitting, painting, writing, or exercising—helps redirect emotions and provides a tangible sense of control.

2. Maintaining Social Connections

Redundancy can feel isolating, but it’s precisely when support networks become invaluable. Conversations with colleagues, friends, and mentors helped me stay grounded. Networking isn’t just about finding the next job; it’s about maintaining meaningful connections beyond the workplace.

3. Embracing a Growth Mindset

Instead of viewing redundancy as an ending, I chose to see it as a transition. A growth mindset allows us to shift our focus from loss to learning—seeing challenges as opportunities to build new skills, explore different industries, or even embark on something entirely new.

The Neuroscience of Knitting: How It Supports Mental Well-Being

Knitting is more than just a hobby—it has scientifically backed benefits for mental health. Research suggests that repetitive hand movements, like those in knitting, activate neural pathways linked to relaxation and cognitive engagement. Much like meditation, knitting helps lower stress, reduce heart rate, and improve focus. Some studies even associate it with preventing cognitive decline by keeping the brain engaged.

The Final Stitch: Moving Forward with Strength

Yesterday, as I completed my blanket, I realized it was more than just a handmade piece—it symbolized resilience, patience, and self-discovery. Redundancy is undoubtedly difficult, but it also creates space for reinvention. Whether through creative outlets, networking, or cultivating a growth mindset, the key is to keep moving forward—one stitch at a time.

If you’re navigating redundancy, remember that you are not alone. This period is just one chapter in your story, not the entire narrative. And sometimes, in the midst of uncertainty, a new pattern begins to emerge.