The Shock of Redundancy
“Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith.” – Steve Jobs
Being made redundant wasn’t just a shock—it was a gut punch. I had convinced myself I was untouchable, immune to the firm-wide cuts. I had only just been made permanent, so surely, I was safe. But in a moment, everything I loved—my job, my team, my sense of stability—was ripped away from me. Telling my loved ones was just as heart-wrenching, seeing the concern and disbelief on their faces was an added weight.
The Reality of Job Hunting
The initial devastation was overwhelming, but soon, reality set in. I was on garden leave, still being paid, but with a ticking clock hanging over my head. At first, I felt optimistic. I applied for jobs, landed interviews, and even made it to the final stages. One company, in particular, seemed like a sure thing. The feedback was glowing, HR hinted that an offer was imminent, and I was elated. So, feeling comfortable, I disclosed my recent ADHD diagnosis during our chat.
Then, silence. The end of the day came and went. Then the next. My recruiter chased for an update, only to hear the company had decided to “explore other options.” I can’t prove my ADHD disclosure was the deal-breaker, but it was the only thing that changed.
The Frustration of Rejection
The job hunts quickly turned into a brutal endurance test. Rejection after rejection, I kept hearing the same excuse: “The other candidate had more experience.” But why interview me if my experience was never enough to begin with? The cycle was exhausting, and the more time passed, the heavier the weight of uncertainty became.
Finding Purpose in DIY
Desperate for a distraction, I threw myself into a DIY project I had been putting off since moving into my home. Those outdated built-in wardrobes? They had to go. What started as a simple removal project turned into an all-consuming renovation. The moment I pulled the first wardrobe out; chunks of woodchip wallpaper came with it—anyone who has dealt with woodchip knows the nightmare that followed. A week of scraping, sanding, and repainting later, I decided to replace the flooring, too. After a month of hard labor, my room was finally done.
Keeping Mentally Stimulated
While navigating the emotional rollercoaster of job hunting, I also focused on keeping my mind engaged. I enrolled in some online courses to broaden my skill set and started learning French on Duolingo. It wasn’t just about keeping busy—it was about feeling productive and mentally sharp. Learning a new language felt like an accomplishment every day, and the structure of the courses helped me stay grounded. This mental stimulation, combined with my DIY projects, provided a sense of control during a time that felt out of control.
Here are some of the resources I used:
- Coursera – for various professional courses
- edX – for university-level courses
- Duolingo – for learning French
The Harsh Reality of Temp Work
Meanwhile, the job hunt continued. I landed a few temp roles, but none were a good fit. One was fully remote, and the isolation was unbearable. Another was with a local electrical firm, but my manager was a micromanaging nightmare who seemed threatened by competence. One memorable incident was when my manager criticized my performance in front of the whole team for a minor mistake. It became painfully clear: the work environment matters just as much as the job itself.
A Glimmer of Hope
Then came a glimmer of hope. A role in The Shard. I loved the company, I was recruited back for three separate temp roles, and even sent a heartfelt email to the CEO in a last-ditch effort to secure the position. But there were no roles available.
At this point, I was running on fumes. A friend suggested I investigate local government. Reluctantly, I applied to multiple roles, only to receive rejection after rejection. Just as I was ready to give up, I got a call from Virtual Schools—a department supporting children with social workers. I had no idea what it entailed, but after researching, I realized it was something I could be passionate about. I was offered the job, and I was finally back in employment.
The Unexpected Twist
But life had one more twist in store for me. While on a pre-booked holiday with my partner, I got an invite to interview for a PA role with the Corporate Director of the County Council. On Friday, I interviewed. Come Monday I was sitting on a beach with a sangria in hand, I got the call—I got the job! The joy was unreal. Though it meant resigning from Virtual Schools almost immediately, the transition was seamless since both roles were within the council.
5 Lessons I Learned from My Redundancy Journey
- Job hunting is an emotional rollercoaster. The highs of a promising interview can turn into crushing disappointment overnight. Expect setbacks, but don’t let them break you. For instance, after my ADHD disclosure, I felt optimistic, only to be met with silence and rejection.
- Keep busy. The waiting game between applications can eat away at your confidence. Find a project—DIY, a new hobby, volunteering—anything to maintain a sense of purpose. Transforming my room through DIY helped me stay occupied and gave me a sense of accomplishment.
- Work culture matters. The title and salary won’t save you if the environment is toxic. The right team can make or break your job satisfaction. My experience with a micromanaging manager highlighted the importance of a supportive work environment.
- Rejections don’t always make sense. Some companies will string you along, while others will reject you for reasons beyond your control. Don’t take it personally—it’s often more about their internal politics than your qualifications. The constant feedback of “explore other options” became a familiar yet frustrating refrain.
- The right job will come. After months of uncertainty, I found a role that aligned with my skills and values. It takes time, but when it’s meant for you, it will happen. The job offer from Virtual Schools showed me that patience and perseverance pay off.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, redundancy was one of the toughest experiences I’ve faced, but it also forced me to reassess what I truly wanted. If you’re in a similar situation, hang in there—your next opportunity could be just around the corner.
Love,
Megan x
Real Life, Real Stories, Real Me