Being approached to support people facing redundancy isn't always easy - it is a challenging and emotional time. However, coaching can help individuals navigate the situation, build confidence and find a role that aligns with their values and needs.
Feeling lost after being made redundant, a recent client, Sarah, went on a journey of discovery to secure the job of her dreams.
She was suddenly made redundant from her role in the tourism industry where she had worked for 2 years - she had been extremely happy - enjoying a good work life balance, was challenged in her role and part of a close team - many who had become her friends.
The news of her redundancy left her feeling lost, lacking confidence and unclear on a future direction. The loss of her job also triggered other losses such as family and pet bereavements. At times during those first few weeks, she felt a real loss of identity and demotivation.
Sarah's company offered her outplacement coaching services to help her decide on her next move. Her aim was to regain confidence and take control of her future. She wanted to let go of past experiences and move on to something new that she was passionate about and believed in.
She embraced and trusted the coaching process from the start and allowed herself time to explore and develop a deeper understanding of herself. To start with Sarah took time to recognise the feelings of grief and loss and acknowledge them rather than pushing them away too quickly. She got to know her needs, and diligently worked in finding new ways to get these met between sessions. She identified her core values and began to understand how she could find a role that aligned with these.
After spending time reflecting on ‘should I just take any job?’, Sarah applied for a job that she described as her ‘dream job’; working with horses that had been such a passion since childhood.
"I felt lost, lacked confidence and overwhelmed with the career options available to me. Gemma showed me how to look inwards and raise awareness of what really matters to me the most."
There's no better feeling for a coach than when you receive an email with the subject line ‘I got the job!!’.
Getting the job she wanted is a real highlight and boost in confidence. Not only that, a lot of good has come from what was originally a negative situation.
It is really rewarding to have the privilege of supporting people move through these challenging transitions into new, fresh and exciting starts.
Are you transitioning through a challenging time? Perhaps you're planning a restructure and want to support your teams through this time with support that can help them move forward and seek a new role that aligns with their career aspirations. If so, let's have a call and see how I can support you.
Gemma Brown is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accredited with the International Coach Federation, working with individuals and groups to navigate successfully through transitions - be it career, relationships or life in general. Her belief is that when we confidently bring our whole selves to all areas of life, anything is possible. Transitions exist in both our personal and business life, and so often, the two fiercely overlap. Coaching with Gemma focuses on you as a whole, enabling you to identify your strengths, build confidence and to live a life with increased purpose and direction. Gemma works face to face with clients in the Cambridge area as well as via Zoom. For more about Gemma, visit her 'About' page or contact her directly.