Made Redundant? Take the Next Step with Advice, Support, and Entitlements to Help You Get a New Job

Redundancy. It’s the word that can send a chill down your spine or, depending on your outlook, spark a glimmer of opportunity. Whether you’ve been made redundant due to a restructure, a company closing, or your role is no longer required, it can feel like a blow. But the truth is, redundancy doesn’t have to mean the end. It can be a fresh beginning.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been made redundant or know someone who has. This guide is here to help you understand your rights and entitlements, take your next steps, and ultimately find a new job or career path that aligns with your skills and experience.

 
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We’ve dedicated an entire episode of our unDUBBED podcast to Paid to Pivot. Skip the scroll and view here.

Coping After You’ve Been Made Redundant

You Are Not Your Job - Separate Yourself from the Role

It's completely normal to feel shaken after a job loss. Being made redundant can stir up a mix of feeling -  grief, anger, relief - even shame. But it’s important to remember: the role has been made redundant, not you.

Your employer is legally allowed to make a genuine redundancy when a role is no longer required due to changes in the company and industry, or if there are fewer than 15 staff members. Still, that doesn’t mean you should internalise the loss.

💡 Reminder: You can grieve, but this is a career shift, not a personal failure.

Take Time to Feel -  It’s Normal After You Lose Your Job

Coping With Redundancy Emotionally and Mentally

Redundancy impacts your mental and emotional health. Whether you're being made redundant for the first time or it's happened before, it’s okay to need emotional support.

Take the space you need. Speak with friends, seek professional help, or reflect on what you want from your next move. Coping is part of the process -  and the only way out is through.

Take Control With SEEDS: A Fresh Way to Manage Stress After Redundancy

Small Steps That Help You Cope After Being Made Redundant

When life feels uncertain, the SEEDS model can help rebuild your confidence and support your wellbeing:

• Social connection: Reach out to people who lift you up - your network is key to helping you find a new job.

• Exercise: A walk or gym session can ease stress.

• Education: Take an online course to kick off your upskilling journey.

• Diet: Eat foods that fuel your energy and mental clarity.

• Sleep: Quality rest helps you reset and prepare for what's next.

   

Redundancy Pay and Entitlements - What to Ask Your Employer

How to Negotiate a Redundancy Payout or Package

Just because you’re made redundant doesn’t mean you can’t negotiate. Many employers are open to discussion -  especially when you know what to ask for.

Check your employment contract, enterprise agreement, or talk to the Fair Work Ombudsman for a full picture of your redundancy entitlements.

Here’s what you might be eligible for in your redundancy package:

• Redundancy pay based on your year of service

• Payout for annual leave, long service leave, and unused benefits

• Superannuation contributions

• Outplacement support, financial advice to help you plan, or training reimbursement

• Consider if gardening leave, a new role, or involvement in vacant roles may be part of your next steps

Understand Your Rights Under the Fair Work Act*

Under the Fair Work Act and National Employment Standards, you’re entitled to fair treatment. If you suspect an unfair dismissal, or your employer didn’t follow proper procedures, seek legal advice.

Don’t forget: redundancy must be a genuine redundancy to be lawful.

* these relate to Australia, check out your own local laws

Ask for Help - Tap Into Your Network to Find a New Job

Update Your Resume and LinkedIn After Losing Your Job

This is the moment to update your LinkedIn and resume. Share that you’re open to opportunities, or looking for a new job in a new position.

Get Career Advice and Reach Out to People Who Can Help

Speak to mentors, peers, or a career coach. You don’t have to do this alone — most people want to help, you just have to ask.

Career Reset: How Redundancy Can Lead to a Fresh Start

Use This Time to Reflect, Rebuild, and Reimagine Your Job Path

Redundancy can create unexpected space for personal and professional development. Whether you want to start a business, explore a new career, or change industries entirely, this is a time to make something meaningful.

Maybe it’s a side hustle, maybe it’s launching into something bold. You’re allowed to start over. And sometimes, the best opportunities come from unexpected shifts.

Invest in Yourself After Redundancy

Coaching, Courses and Career Advice to Get a New Job

Think of this time as an opportunity to invest in yourself. A course, a coach, or financial advice can go a long way. Whether you’re stepping into a fixed-term contract, taking a break, or moving into something new - you deserve to make it count.

Use any redundancy payout to fuel your next move, even if that’s just space to breathe.

Your Next Chapter: Take Steps Towards a New Job or Career

Finding Meaning and Momentum After Being Made Redundant

The journey after you’re made redundant isn’t always smooth -  but it can be deeply meaningful. Maybe you’ll take a break, change industries, or start that business you’ve dreamed of.

Whatever your path, take it one step at a time. You’ve got this.  If you're feeling a bit out of sorts, or don't have anyone to chat to, we'd be happy to chat. Contact us to setup time to meet. 

 Watch the Paid to Pivot Podcast 

In this podcast episode, Sarah and Fiona delve into the often-dreaded topic of redundancy, sharing their personal experiences and emotional journeys. They discuss the initial shock of losing a job, the importance of social connections, and practical steps to take after redundancy.

The conversation emphasizes the significance of self-kindness, negotiation strategies, and the potential for personal growth during this challenging time. They also introduce the SEEDS therapy approach, which focuses on social connection, exercise, education, diet, and sleep as essential components for recovery and rediscovery after redundancy.

Key Takeaways

• Redundancy can be a shocking experience, even if anticipated.
• It's natural to feel a range of emotions after redundancy.
• Social connections play a crucial role in recovery.
• Taking time to process emotions is essential.
• Negotiating your redundancy package can lead to better outcomes.
• SEEDS therapy can help in the recovery process.
• Finding purpose after redundancy is important for mental health.
• Reaching out for support can alleviate feelings of isolation.
• It's okay to take time before jumping into a new role.
• Redundancy can be an opportunity for personal growth.