Redundancy: "so what's next?"

With the recent announcements of voluntary redundancies across the Australian Public Service (APS), many public servants will be thinking redundancy right now. They may be thinking about redundancy for themselves, but equally they may be thinking about the impact on the workplace: how it may impact on the team and ultimately themselves.

Some of the Departments and Agencies that are now deep in redundancy processes include: Climate Change; Regional Australia; Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Bureau of Statistics; Resources, Energy and Tourism; the Australian Council; Veterans Affairs; ComSuper; Fair Work Ombudsman, National Museum; National Library; National Gallery; with Health and Aging poised as well.

It’s a difficult and challenging time. People who are in the throws of making a decision about a redundancy, and those who have opted to take one, are faced with the question: “So, what’s next?”

Here are several things to think about if you’re a public servant in this situation:

Finance: It goes without saying that you need good financial advice. Depending on the number of years of service you have you’ll be looking at a redundancy payment of up to 13 months salary. One sting associated with an APS redundancy is the fact that agencies will generally not employ someone who has taken an APS redundancy within the past 12 months.

Most agencies offering redundancies will make a provision to fund staff to get professional financial advice. If you’re not sure, ask. If it’s offered, take it. Once you have your calculated payout figures talk to a professional – coworkers will have lots of advice, but only a financial adviser can really help. The Australian Government has a great online site to assist planning and budgeting: www.moneysmart.gov.au

It is worthwhile contacting Centrelink when you accept a redundancy. Depending you’re your circumstances, you may be eligible for some support.

Self-worth: When your work defines you and you no longer have work, then how do you give your life value and meaning? A few months after accepting a redundancy, many people are still in the habit of introducing themselves as the person they once were, rather than the person they are now: “I’m Bill, I used to be the manager of… in the Department of…”

Sometimes it can be a challenge, but people in this situation need to find and express the value in what they are doing now. It may be the value found in a mature “gap year”, the value of new learning, the value of taking stock and shaping a whole new career. What ever it is, expressing the value generates its own energy, excitement and passion.

Take this time to focus on what you really want to do next.  A redundancy is not the end – it is just the beginning.

Reconnect and Reshape: One of the great opportunities a redundancy can give is to reconnect people with their passions, their goals and their dreams. Take a moment to think about your career to date. Do you have any regrets? If you had your time over, what would you do? How would you start? What’s stopping you?

Go on step further and write down your goals, dreams, aspirations and even your bucket list. Share your list with loved ones or friends. Articulating your dreams or even just writing them down will make your dreams more achievable and you will be surprised at what you can accomplish.

Taking a redundancy is an opportunity to learn new skills and polish off old ones. Adult learning programs target every demographic and virtually every conceivable skill. One of the greatest benefits that such learning environments can provide is the opportunity to gain a contemporary perspective on things.

There are many stories of APS employees who have taken a redundancy and embarked on study in a field of long held passion. That passion has then launched entirely new careers.

You may be able to access free training programs and some TAFE courses are often made available to people who have been made redundant. You can find out more information from http://www.deewr.gov.au for more information. Adult Learning Australia provides a useful resource if you are looking at continuing learning (www.ala.asn.au/find-a-course).

Some Departments have also been known to pay for the costs of training programs for staff taking redundancies, so check with your human resource team.

Career: Regardless of whether your APS career has been long or short, you possess very marketable skills. Take time to identifying your abilities, skills and attributes as well as your career interests. This will help shape your thinking about the type of career you would like to follow.

Old ideas of searching the weekend papers for a job are all but gone. These days job opportunities all but search for applicants. The impact of the internet on the business of recruitment has been staggering. Register with career services and market yourself to providers (eg http://www.seek.com.au).

Consider talking with a career coach if you are unsure about potential career options. Before you accept an offer of a redundancy, check with your supervisor or human resources to see if they will pay for this; they may even have a formal outplacement program where such services are offered.

Network: Don’t be a stranger. Connect with your network. These days a redundancy from the APS is nothing to be ashamed of. Talk to your network about your plans. This way you’ll avoid the risk of becoming isolated and disconnected.

Accept offers of ideas and support, especially if you’re keen on shaping a new career. In this regard, take a flexible approach to opportunities – try out a range of things, in most cases you’ll have nothing to lose. Where possible, create new networks: these can help on the career front or simply connect you with people who share your passion or learning for example.

If you don’t have one already, create a LinkedIn profile and create a virtual network. LinkedIn is a global network of some 150 million professionals. It’s a great way to connect and stay connected regardless of your professional interest. (http://www.linkedin.com).

Wellbeing: You need to stay physically and emotionally healthy. Accepting a redundancy can bring mixed feelings. There may be excitement, disappointment and isolation that can lead to depression. Talk with those around you and share your feelings. A redundancy makes a big impact: not just you, but you family friends and even coworkers.

It is worthwhile for you to speak to your agency’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider before you leave. The EAP is a confidential service and you can talk freely and openly about the impact that the redundancy is having on you. You can also access services such as the Black Dog Institute (www.blackdoginstitute.org.au) or Beyond Blue (www.beyondblue.org.au), but the important thing is to stay connected and talk to people: talk about your plans and talk about your fears. You’ll be amazed at the high level of support you will receive.

If you feel you have been treated unfairly, find out about your rights by visiting the Fairwork Australia website http://www.fairwork.gov.au/termination/redundancy