6 Ways to Make the Most of a Period of Redundancy
Sometimes, difficult roads can lead to great destinations.
Employment gaps are increasingly becoming more common among professionals, across any position and industry. Over the last twenty years, the way we think of work and business has changed, and if we once considered a long-lasting career in one company as robust, admirable, and loyal, nowadays, things are looking a little different. As not many people now end up staying at the same company for years, an employment gap may be more of an indicator for a search for the right place, a quest for personal growth, or a way to get some rest.
If you’re going through redundancy right now, here’s what you can do to own it, and make the most of it.
Think outside the box.
Sometimes it helps to look at things from another perspective, to cope with this stressful time. While you should give priority to your job search, this does not mean that’s all you should do. Actually, there are a few work-unrelated activities that might help you get through this, by stimulating your productivity, creativity, and focus.
Volunteering.
An excellent way to feel invested in a cause, or to contribute to the local community. The more we give, the happier we feel: by doing good deeds for others and the community, you achieve a natural sense of accomplishment, which may enrich your life, and also give you a sense of pride and identity. Check out the activities of your local community on your municipality website, or visit bigger organizations’ homepages like Amnesty International or the Voedselbank.
Studying.
Especially within the IT field, but across any industry, keeping up with the latest developments and findings can make a real difference in the quality of your work. Acquiring new skills can help to achieve a sense of fulfillment, and who knows, even open up paths you didn’t know you could walk. Visit organizations like Coursera or Udemy, which frequently offer courses and webinars, even for free!
Doing something you always wanted to do.
Remember to enjoy life. You might not get the luxury of having this much free time again, so use that to your advantage and do the fun creative things you have always wanted to do: personal projects to complete, hidden passions to pursue, favorite places to visit. This unforeseen period could be the perfect opportunity to complete a personal endeavor you have been putting off.
Have a routine.
Even though it might sound cliche, having a clear schedule will help you stay motivated, active, and focused. Clearly organize your day to avoid feeling stressed or straight up burnt out. Explore what works for you, experiment with different activities to help your job search as well as your professional growth. Make a clear list of your priorities, and plan your day accordingly. Keep your activities varied and dynamic: you can’t really look for a job 15 hours a day, and mixing it up with other tasks will keep you motivated and focused. Redundancy can bring much stress and uncertainty, which is why it’s important to care about your well being by giving structure to your life.
Remember that life happens.
What you’re going to is something as normal as a job in itself. More and more people are expected to go through it at least once in their lifetime, and chances are that they will, at one point or another, be asked about it. When answering this kind of question, the general idea is to keep in mind that you don’t need to elaborate on your private matters. You have a life, and life happens. If you are ever asked about this gap during a job interview, explain gracefully what happened without going too much into detail. Family, health, being laid off: there are plenty of reasons why you may be out of work. What matters is your attitude towards it: stay positive, keep on growing professionally, and own your life events with confidence.
Nowadays, work gaps in your resume are the new normal, and with time, there won’t even be any need to discuss them. Work-life has evolved and both people and companies are now looking for more humanity: take advantage of this comment for yourself, and never lose faith. The right company will listen to you, get to know you, and make you want to open up and put yourself out there. At Sytac, we know that people are so much more than those missing dates on their resumes, and if this article has resonated with you, we want to hear it from you!
