This is where I’d begin

I’ve been reflecting over the past six months on how much my life has changed — and for the better — and I want to share some of the strategies I used following my redundancy. With that in mind, I thought I’d write a series about how I made positive changes after my career in education. I also hope to help those who may have had a similar experience, or who may be looking to change jobs or careers, to see that it’s not the end — it’s the beginning. So, let’s get into it.

I’ve written previously about my redundancy but if you’re new to my blog, I’ll give a short overview of what happened. One week before I was due to go on a trip to Europe, I received an email from HR. At the time, I thought it was odd. When I read the email, I knew exactly what it was about. The line ‘bring a support person’ was enough to tell me my position wasn’t secure. I was right.

Shock. Anger. Hurt. Unappreciated. Sad. All words that describe how I felt. What disappointed me the most was that the principal was out of the country when the meeting took place. They didn’t even have the decency or professionalism to meet with me on their return. The timing was deliberate — a week before my trip, knowing I’d be away for five weeks. The offer they made was insulting. They knew I wouldn’t accept it and that I’d take the redundancy. I didn’t give my answer until I returned from my holiday.

The trip turned out to be exactly what I needed. It gave me the distance I was craving and was a welcome distraction. Don’t get me wrong — I did think about the meeting and what it meant — but I decided it wasn’t going to affect my holiday or the wonderful experiences I was looking forward to. What surprised me most was how I responded when people asked what I did for a living. I told them my career as a teacher was over and that I was taking time out to look for different work. After saying those words, it felt like a huge weight suddenly lifted. It felt right. It felt good.

My key takeaway for moving forward is distance.

I was fortunate to be able to go on holiday and detach myself from what had happened. Distance gave me time to put things into perspective. It allowed me to re-evaluate my career. I hadn’t been happy for a long time, and redundancy was the push I needed to change direction. It didn’t happen overnight. Distance can look different for everyone. It might mean a day trip somewhere peaceful, time at the beach, a long walk or trek, or even a day spa. Do something that allows you to recharge and reward yourself.

Time is important too. Allow yourself to feel upset, hurt, or angry — but don’t let those feelings define you. Don’t let them consume you. Use distance and time to make positive changes. Routine was important to me, and this is where you can start implementing new strategies, new work routines, and a shift in direction.

I didn’t start looking for a job straight away. I needed a break, and I was fortunate that, as a writer, I could focus on finishing my third book in the Coin of Time series and publishing my second book, The Race for the Lost Coin. This might be the perfect opportunity for you to immerse yourself in a hobby. It may even lead to a new career. You never know.

Redundancy is not the end. It is the beginning of a new chapter in your life.

If you’re reading this and feeling stuck, uncertain, or at a turning point, know that you’re not alone — and this isn’t the end. What’s one small step you could take this week to create some distance and clarity? Share it in the comments, or pass this post on to someone who needs reassurance that new beginnings are possible.

This is the first in a fortnightly series on rebuilding after redundancy. The next post drops in two weeks, where I’ll share rebuilding routine and structure. Subscribe, comment, or share this with someone who needs to hear that starting again is possible.

careers, changes, new directions, opportunities, redundancy