The Redundancy Rethink #2

Making the Most of Your Time Off

Experiencing time off while searching for a new job is inevitable. After being made redundant, I decided to make the most of the time available. During the pandemic four years ago, many of us suddenly found ourselves with extra time on our hands. Few embraced it fully, and many of us have regrets about how we spent it.

I shifted my mindset from "Oh no, I have no job" to "I have two months to find a new job and take a career break." Initially, the thought of time off was daunting, but it quickly turned into an opportunity to be productive, focus on self-development, and rest.

Adjusting to the notion of "time off" took some time. After years of being accountable to a boss and adhering to a strict schedule, it was a strange adjustment to suddenly have the freedom to create my own plan without anyone checking in.

Creating a Routine

To ensure a smooth transition back to work, I established a routine. My daily schedule included getting up at a regular time, going to the gym, and then spending a couple of hours at the local Starbucks job hunting. Extending my search beyond this would have been counterproductive. I also incorporated key elements for mental health: daily walks, proper lunch breaks, and watching a TV episode or documentary to relax.

Achieving Small Wins

Setting and accomplishing small daily goals was immensely valuable. This approach helped me balance job hunting with personal time. I created a list of tasks ranging from cleaning the flat and building Lego to finishing a book or taking a longer walk. These tasks, no matter how small, gave me a sense of control and accomplishment.

Knowledge Development

I used the time to complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours and coursework that I had previously struggled to fit in. I signed up for several courses via Open Learn, a platform by the Open University offering hundreds of free courses. This additional learning kept me in a routine and supported my growth during uncertain times. I highly recommend Open Learn for its wide range of topics: OpenLearn. I focused on subjects like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to stay relevant.

Exploring New Environments

Staying at home can be more distracting than helpful. I found it beneficial to job search and study in new locations. This approach encouraged me to walk more, explore new places, and ultimately become more productive. Some of my favourite workspaces included:

• Host Café
• British Library
• Foyles Café

Don't underestimate your local café and library spaces either; they are great for people-watching and working in peace.

Finding Balance

While staying productive is important, job hunting and interviewing can be draining. It's crucial to take breaks, reflect on your experiences, and recharge. Spending time with family, friends, and old colleagues provided a much-needed support system and helped me stay grounded.

Conclusion

Redundancy is challenging and can lead to stress and fear. However, by shifting your mindset to "I'm going to make the time count," you can turn it into a period of growth and preparation for your next opportunity. Making a list of what you want to achieve helps focus the mind and provides a chance to reset and re-energize.