For some people, being made redundant can be a life changing opportunity, for others merely a blip in their employment history.
Take some time
If you weren't aware that your job was in danger of disappearing, then being told you are being made redundant is an enormous shock. Even if you did know that redundancy was on the cards, you may have been hoping to avoid it. When the news comes, you need to take some time to come to terms with it - you're likely to feel angry (especially if the situation has been handled badly) and miserable.
Make sure that you know your legal rights - there are government websites that lay them out for you, and the Citizens Advice Bureau can help. You won't be made redundant on the first day you hear about it, and you may be required to keep working.
If you are not required at work, clear your desk and make a clean break. If you want to see your colleagues, then meet them outside of the office - but be aware that they are likely to feel uncomfortable in your presence and find it hard to talk about anything other than work.
Consider your options
Most people aren't lucky enough to be free of financial responsibilities, but it's worth considering what you would do if you were. In all likelihood you will need to find alternative employment, but this could be a good opportunity to assess whether your current work/life balance is right for you.
If you need money but aren't ready to look for a permanent job, consider temping or something part-time. You could even sell some of your unwanted junk on eBay, make some money and de-clutter the house into the bargain.
Depending on your situation it might be possible to retire early, start your own business or change your career or working hours. What you really want might not be possible now - but you can work towards it. Make a plan and look into whether further education (evening classes or an Open University course) would be useful.
Move on
When you've decided on the plan, polish up your CV and start networking. Now might be a good time to buy a new interview suit or outfit, depending on the industry in which you work.
Make sure that when you go for interviews you leave your emotional baggage at the door. Interviewers expect you to be both positive and professional - don't use an interview as an opportunity to sound off about your previous employer.
If your redundancy is still a painful subject, rehearse answers to questions about why you are looking for a new job. Choose something that rings true and that you are comfortable with, but which doesn't invite further questions. “I'm sad to be leaving the company, but I'm looking forward to a new challenge”, followed by a few well-chosen words on why this new job is right for you, should take you past any awkward moments.
Final thoughts
Being made redundant can make you feel as though you've lost control over your life. In fact, it hands control back to you. Help is available if you have financial or legal concerns or if you simply need to talk things over. There is no need to pretend that losing your job is the best thing that ever happened to you, but there is definitely life on the other side.
