How to bounce back from retrenchment

“Retrenchment is a big deal, and needs to be treated as such,” says Johannesburg counselling psychologist, coach and corporate consultant, Aderyn Exley. “We should acknowledge that retrenchment is a non-normative life event, such as a divorce or losing a loved one. It’s an event you’re generally not prepared for and need a range of skills to negotiate.”

Retrenchment psyche

According to Exley, there are two key psychological aspects that often come up during retrenchment: blame and shame – and both need to be acknowledged and worked through. “The blame aspect is often the ‘how and when the retrenchment was done’. For example, who gave the news, who kept their jobs, and whether the retrenchment letter acknowledged my efforts. There is often a need to be angry at somebody and sometimes anger is even expressed to a spouse, as you need to attach your anger to something external.” 

However, Aderyn cautions that this anger should preferably not be verbalised. “Think it, feel it, work through it, but don’t necessarily verbalise it. Also consider that retrenchment is bad enough without going to the CCMA or consulting lawyers, unless you feel there has really been gross mismanagement. Rather use the energy generated by anger to mobilise your recalibration strategies.” 

As much as we try not to make retrenchment a personal attack, it often feels like it is, resulting in deep shame, she says. People immediately feel there is something wrong with them, which is why they were targeted and retrenched. “Then people often become secretive and isolated and don’t communicate with their networks because they feel ashamed. Often, past traumas and shocks are triggered and despair and depression overwhelm. So consider what surfaces from your personality and what you can learn about yourself too. One of the biggest indicators of successfully psychologically processing a retrenchment is when you can mobilise the people who love you to be on your side and in your tribe. Keep communication channels wide open."

A valuable exercise after retrenchment, says Exley, is to look at all the key areas of life: money, friends, work, leisure, health, education, relationship, family and spirituality, and write down how each area will likely be affected by the retrenchment. "Then, write down plans to deal with each area and you will go through the retrenchment process more constructively and creatively as you anticipate and empower yourself.” 

Job hunting tactics

“Generally, when looking for a job, set aside chunks of time, for example four hours in the morning, and job search as if it’s your job,” advises Exley. “In the afternoon, pursue activities you enjoy and that are good for your psychological well-being, such as reading, exercising, seeing a friend. Attempting to job-hunt 24/7 is not productive and therefore not sustainable.”

Networking is an important part of any job search. Meet contacts for a quick coffee, explain the situation and put out feelers – but never discuss a previous employer in a negative frame. Keep a positive perspective because being retrenched is not your fault, and may actually be a great opportunity to change direction. Consider your interests and what you really want to do with your life, then see if you can retrain for a different career that may be more fulfilling.

"In the meantime, keep a list of all your positive achievements and character traits and read these daily to keep motivated and positive – because perspective it everything. Also consider offering your skills on a voluntary basis, while looking for new opportunities. Feeling valued and productive is inspiring and focusing.”

When you secure an interview, be prepared to answer why you left your previous job. To be well prepared to answer this question, consider writing out your honest response so it is more easily spoken. There is nothing to be ashamed of or to apologise for – being made redundant is a daily experience for countless, productive and skilled people. Exley also emphasises that it’s “a big no-no to bad mouth your previous employer or to bring your victim story to your new life. Besides, if you move forward with victimhood, that’s what you will bring into your life, and if you move forward with opportunity, that’s what you will attract too." 

Everyone has experienced or been affected by retrenchment in some way and it’s a conversation everyone is bound to and willing to have, says Exley. Counselling, support groups, tapping into your network and reaching out are all healthy ways to tackle retrenchment; using tranquilisers, drugs and alcohol are not. They all negatively impact you when needing to stay positive and remaining optimistic is important. Use your networks to do role plays, mock interviews and brainstorm. Shamelessly ask for introductions and advice. 

“Linking retrenchment to a new beginning and creating a new life, like a personal new year, this is positive to your attitude and moving forward after retrenchment. Getting past the fear and anxiety is your biggest challenge. So be your own best advocate always,” Exley says. 

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