The Emotional Toll of Unexpected Redundancy

Being made redundant can trigger a complex mix of emotions, from embarrassment and shame to anger and betrayal. For many, it feels akin to mourning the loss of a loved one or enduring an unwanted divorce. The jobs we do are deeply intertwined with our identity and sense of purpose. Losing it unexpectedly can feel like losing a part of ourselves.

Mourning the Loss

Redundancy can initiate a grieving process, where you mourn the loss of colleagues, daily routines, and thew status of having a professional role. It’s important to acknowledge and address these feelings. Suppressing them can lead to greater emotional distress or a sense of isolation.

Overcoming Shame and Embarrassment

Shame and embarrassment are particularly painful byproducts of redundancy. These emotions stem from societal stigmas around job loss and the internalisation of redundancy as a personal failure, rather than the result of broader economic circumstances and organisational strategies (or lack of). It's crucial to challenge these narratives and recognise that your worth is not defined by your employment status.

Addressing Anger and Betrayal

Anger often arises from feelings of betrayal, especially if you feel that your loyalty and hard work have been disregarded. It’s natural to feel upset, but channelling this emotion constructively can empower you to take proactive steps towards your next opportunity.

Moving Forward: Support Through Coaching

If you’re struggling to come to terms with what happened this week, feel free to reach out to me or the countless other former colleagues on Linkedin – who have all 'been there done that', and lived to tell the tale.

The Asda Underworld that David Barber so brilliantly created is a supportive space to discuss and process the emotions associated with redundancy. It's also lovely cacthing up with colleagues you rarely get to see in person.

Invitation to Connect

If you or someone you know is impacted by the recent changes at Asda and could benefit from some free professional coaching, please reach out to me directly here on LinkedIn. I'll help if I can.