10 Things I've Learnt From Coaching Clients Through Role Redundancy

One conversation I've had more times than I can count over the past few years starts the same way:

"I've just been made redundant."

Sometimes it's said through tears. Sometimes with frustration… And sometimes, surprisingly, with relief and optimism.

After coaching so many people through this chapter, I've realised that while everyone's experience is unique, there are some common patterns that show up time and time again.

If role redundancy has recently found its way into your life, I hope this reminds you that this isn't the end of your career or time to freak out. It might just be the beginning of a better chapter that you really needed.

1. Expect an emotional rollercoaster

The first thing I notice is that redundancy brings a mix of emotions.

You might feel shocked, angry, relieved, disappointed, excited or completely overwhelmed—and sometimes all of those emotions in the same day.

If your role wasn't working for you anymore, it's completely normal to feel relief alongside grief. Those two emotions can absolutely exist together.

Give yourself permission to feel it all before trying to "fix" it.

2. You'll start calculating the clock

Almost everyone does this.

You work out your redundancy payout and decide you've got three months, six months or however long you think you have to find another role.

Knowing your numbers is important, but don't let that calculation become a countdown that sends you into panic mode.

I've seen people achieve incredible things in three months when they use the time intentionally.

3. Your body will ask you to rest

One of the biggest things I notice is that people suddenly start sleeping more.

They slow down.

They stop rushing.

And then they feel guilty for it.

Please don't.

Your body is usually telling you exactly what it needs.

If you've been running on empty for years, this might be the first opportunity you've had to properly recover.

4. Your hobbies start finding you again

Once you've rested, something really interesting happens.

The hobbies you forgot you loved start coming back.

Walking.

Gardening.

Reading.

Cooking.

Painting.

It's like parts of yourself that were put on hold while work took over finally have room to breathe again.

5. New career ideas start appearing

This is one of my favourite stages.

People start talking about businesses they've always wanted to start.

Old career paths resurface.

Sometimes it's a role they had years ago that they absolutely loved but never considered returning to.

When we finally have space to think, new possibilities appear.

6. Your career identity shifts

Role redundancy has a funny way of helping you get really clear on what matters.

You start reflecting on questions like:

• What kind of workplace do I actually want?

• What roles brought me the most joy?

• What values matter most to me?

• How much flexibility do I need?

• What sort of leader do I want to work for?

• What standards am I no longer willing to compromise on?

This space often gives people permission to dream a little bigger than they did before.

7. Don't let fear rush your next move

One of the biggest mistakes I see is people jumping straight onto Seek and applying for dozens of jobs dthey don't even want.

The resume hasn't been updated.

The cover letter is generic.

The applications are rushed.

It feels productive, but I actually think it's a false sense of security in playing the numbers game.

I always ask my clients one question:

Are your actions being driven by fear... or by possibility?

That question changes everything and helps you slow down to speed up, and take a proper Birds Eye view of where you want to go.

8. Celebrate the chapter you've just finished

When we finish university, we celebrate.

When we complete a huge project, we celebrate.

But when our role is made redundant, we often skip straight to proving ourselves again.

Before you update your resume, take a moment to acknowledge everything you've achieved.

You showed up.

You contributed.

You learnt.

That chapter mattered.

9. Remember this: You are not redundant

Read that again.

You are not redundant.

Your role is redundant.

There is a huge difference.

Don't allow a business decision to become part of your identity.

Notice any limiting beliefs that have surfaced:

"I'm not good enough."

"I'll never find another role."

"I'm always the one they let go."

Challenge those thoughts before they become your story.

10. Use this chapter wisely

Before jumping into another role, spend some time looking in the rear-view mirror.

Think about the jobs where you felt most in your element.

What made them so enjoyable?

Was it the people?

The purpose?

The culture?

The flexibility?

The variety?

Those answers will tell you far more about your next career move than endlessly scrolling job boards.

One exercise I love sharing with clients is creating a Credibility Wall.

This could look like a vision board or a simply list or photo album of screenshots of positive feedback.

Save thank-you emails.

Write down achievements you're proud of.

Collect reminders of what you're capable of.

On the days your confidence takes a hit, or you’re about to go into an interview, you'll have something tangible to remind yourself that you have so much more to offer in this next chapter.

A final thought...

Redundancy is rarely something we choose.

But we do get to choose how we respond to it.

Take the time to rest.

Reflect.

Reconnect with yourself.

Be intentional about what comes next.

And most importantly, remember this:

Your role may have become redundant. Your value never will.

If this blog reminded you of someone currently navigating redundancy, I'd love you to share it with them. Sometimes knowing you're not alone is exactly what someone needs to hear.

You can also reach me hello@lifecoachjilly.com with any feedback, thoughts or questions!

Separately, hello from Egypt earlier this month.