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How did you cope and how long before you got another job? Please share your survival strategies.


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  • I was made redundant once 30yrs ago. I was initially devastated and somber by it all, but got a large amount of money and a positive reference. I started applying for different jobs and found something more suitable after some time and saw on hindsight that this path was different then I would have chosen but opened up opportunity and freedom.


  • No l haven’t but the good thing is you do get a payment to keep you going for a short time.


  • Yes, I’ve been made redundant, and unfortunately in my role in HR, I have had to make alot of people redundant (the worst part of the job). My tips would be 1) stay positive and do not trash talk your employer as much as you would like to! 2) build a Linkedin profile or at a minimum, write down a list of contacts that you can reach out to for potential job opportunities 3) don’t be afraid of telling people you are looking for work – no one knows that you’re available if they don’t know – this is where the most unlikely of opportunities come from 4) if time and money permit, do a short course to update your skills. Also review your CV (and get someone to proof read it) so that you can quickly send it to potential employers. 5) Keep open minded about what your next role will be, but also be clear about what you are looking for ie, proximity to home, salary etc.


  • I was made redundant but I was lucky enough to get another job before I had finished up with the company that I was made redundant from and so i simply went from one job to another and had my redundancy payout. Not that it was a lot as i had only been with the company for 2 years.


  • I went from part time work to working for myself providing and ironing service. It doesn’t create much money but it’s something I can do from home with no disruption to my family life.


  • I was yes, three months after i returned from Maternity leave.
    I went on a holiday first with the family.
    While they wish to provide me help finding a new job i didnt want it nor wanted their pitty.
    within 2 weeks i had a new job, because i went out there and got it, if i had not i would have enrolled in some up skilling courses.

    Decide what you want to do….


  • I was at the end of last year after 8 years with the company. It sucks and I miss my job. I fell pregnant soon after and I’ve started studying at TAFE so I haven’t gone back to work yet but I’m dreading it when the time comes.


  • “Position closed” just after pregnancy (having served over 7 years). Survived emotionally through gradual readjustment, watching lots of ‘conspiracy theory’ videos in the evening and learning how the world worked from a different viewpoint. Practically, we had to learn to do with less. We also used cloth nappies because this saved several thousand dollars per year and made it all possible.


  • My husband lost his job of 11 years with the same company after his position was made redundant. It wasn’t easy to find something else. It took him more than a year to find something temporary. Even more to find something stable. But he was almost 50 at the time. And the age surely played its part. Not in his favour of course.


  • Yes I was made redundant while I was on maternity leave. My daughter was 3 months old. It was a small business so I only got 2 weeks pay.
    I got some temp work after 3 months which is still going 3 years later. I also got qualified and became a swim teacher


  • Yes I was made redundant from my job. It was 20 years ago now. I was totally devastated at first, couldn\’t sleep, crying and just worried what to do. We had just bought a house and had our first baby, the interest rates were like 15% and rising. But after the first few days I calmed down and started to think about all the positives. Like my 2 year old son, who I could spend more time with, like being able to take him to the reading library for toddlers. Then I decided to check out the schools for him, I know it was a way off, but I wanted to do something positive and also that fitted in with my family, I realised I could make choices and slowly but surely it became positive. I ended up working at the local school, I started off in the canteen, moved to the library and ended up as an SSO in the classroom. The bills got paid, the mortgage got paid, I had 2 more children and was able to be part of their schooling and go on their excursions and all that sort of thing. I know it may not be the route that others would choose and it was a huge drop in wages but I for one believe it was good for my family. I paid all my redundancy off the mortgage and that certainly helped us. But don\’t despair, think about all your options and make decisions for your self.


  • Redundancy is an awful situation to be faced with especially when it gets sprung on you. You will get work, just remain positive.


  • I was sacked and not made redundant.(so no more than a two weeks of pay and holidays owing pay out).. But it was due to a personality conflict with new owners of the business ,,, but lucky for me i had a little saved in the bank $3000… I took four weeks off before looking for A job as it happened at the start of december they had the nerve to tell everyone that i was on holidays and had decided to leave,,, lets just say when i ran into them on the street i told all my old workmates the truth and they all were quickly fired not long after i was… It took me four months on wElfare payments to get job,,, but ended up been $100 dollars more a fortnight than been on welfare it was a traineeship but set me up for a full time job as soon as i had finished it and i stayed there for well over 10 years… with a full time job at full time rates… I guess to say i was lucKy i got offered two jobs within a week of eachother and i was honest with both employers that i had a conflict with the previous new bosses who had just purchased the place of employment and that i was willing to learn and that i was a stayer if i joined the group as i had been with the previous place for 12 years before been let go…. one was as a vaccum cleaner sales person and one was at a supermarket… I choose the supermarket as i didnt think it was safe to go door to door and suck people in… In a years time i will be back in the workforce due to having quit work while raising kids to school age.. I would love to read what other people say options are as I will be looking for a job soon…


  • I was made redundant November last year. Very trying time, it took over 5 months to gain new employment.
    Things I wish I knew then, Go to Centrelink on the day I was made redundant. Make sure to be in touch with the bank re mortgage, utilities people to arrange payment plans.
    There will be a new job, just hang in there and stay positive, and network, network, network.


  • My Dad has just been made redundant for a second time from the same workplace.
    The first time he was 9 months without a job, and ended up being contracted out to his workplace by an employment agency. He was then put back on their books.
    He has been made redundant for a second time from there a fortnight ago and is seeking work at the moment.
    I love the idea of doing some volunteer work in between and will be suggesting that to him, as it would look great on his resume and to future employers.
    I wish you the best of luck in gaining employment, and I can understand the stress you are feeling at the moment.


  • Yes, my husband has been made redundant a couple of times and it is really stressful, especially when you’re a little older. His longest stint without regular work was six months, but he kept busy with short-term contract work in the meantime, and this also looked good for him when he went for job interviews.


  • Yes – and it depends a lot on your age as to whether or not you will get another job no matter how well you sell yourself. I wish you all the luck in the world for a new job and can I suggest you volunteer in the meantime as this shows any new employer that you have maintained your work ethic and are still willing to get out there and do a good job.


  • A great answer from mom165081. Good idea to stay connected with all networks and word of mouth does go a long way.


  • Redundancy is all too common these days. We have just got through redundancy number 3. We don’t know anyone who is in mining that hasn’t been through a redundancy. This includes engineers, tradies, catering staff, accountants, lawyers, HR personnel and more… We also know many Government employees and Higher Education staff that have redundant (including lecturers, doctors, researchers and administration staff).

    Unfortunately for many, there is still a stigma with redundancy. This view is highly outdated. Successive Governments have created policies and legislation that not only allows for, but encourages redundancies as valid cost cutting measures. No-one should view any permanent employment as “permanent”. It is at best, a long term contract with superior conditions build in (holidays, sick leave, long service leave etc)

    We have survived each redundancy through actively contacting people we know as well as recruitment agencies. Be honest, and state that you are available for immediate employment. Seek things in your field of expertise (it is hard to come back from a lesser job). Treat seeking employment as your job and focus in the end goal. We also apply to job ads, but this is way less successful.

    Financially it is extremely difficult and many people have to work further from home that is ideal, some have to sell houses or move (we have), some rent out spare rooms etc.

    If people who don’t understand your predicament are getting you down, stay connected only with positive people during this time.

    Don’t view yourself as out of a job, view yourself and sell yourself as highly skilled, motivated and available. Stay positive and good luck!


  • Yep. After I reported my employer for not paying me correctly, he stopped putting me on the roster. Centrelink was our survival strategy. It’s good if it’s temporary, not so good long term.


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