It sounds obvious, but one of the most important things you can do is continue to have a routine. This includes sticking to regular mealtimes, exercising and maintaining a normal sleep pattern. 

Practising meditation and mindfulness can also really help you refocus your energy and stay positive.

“Being out of work can have a massive impact on your self esteem and sense of identity,” says Alex Palmer, founder of Kina Events.

If your job has always been a big part of your life you may wonder who you are without it. Be kind to yourself and reflect on what makes you happy and fulfilled.”

Here are our tips to help you cope with redundancy and plan your future career:

Try not to take it personally

Remember it’s the job that’s redundant, not you. If you’re able to accept that this was a business-driven decision rather than a personal one, it’ll help you make peace with it.

Redundancy can happen to anyone, at any age and at any time – and you’re not on your own, especially at the moment. 

However, while you may not have control over losing your job, you are able to control how you deal with that loss and move forward.

Be open and honest

Opening up to close friends and family can help. You’ve nothing to be ashamed of and they might help you tackle any financial or emotional worries: you don’t have to face this alone.

Make sure you understand your legal rights

If you’re informed about the redundancy process and know your legal rights it can help you feel more in control. 

For example, it’s important to know how much redundancy pay you’ll receive, how long your notice period is, and if you’re able to leave sooner if you find a new job. 

The Money Advice Service and the Gov.uk websites provide lots of advice about redundancy and the payments and benefits you might be entitled to. 

Take control of your finances

Once you know what money you have, it’s essential to work out a budget so your redundancy payment lasts as long as possible.

Is there any spending you can cut back on? Can you save money by switching energy companies, or by changing mobile or broadband providers?

You should also find out if there are any benefits or grants you may be entitled to whilst looking for a new job.

Citizens Advice can offer guidance to help you deal with bills and credit card and loan payments.

If you know you’re going to have difficulty making payments, get in touch with your mortgage provider – or anyone else you owe money to – at the earliest opportunity. 

Have an honest conversation with them about your situation and they may be able to help.

Look to the future

This could be your opportunity to review your skills, talent, and experience – and change anything you didn’t like about your old job or career.

If you aren’t sure what you want to do next or what your long-term goals are, try talking to reasonably neutral friends and family or – if you have the funds – work with a personal development coach.

The Kina Events mentoring programme can also support you if there’s a particular aspect of an events management role you want to develop, or if you need help moving your career to the next level.

Our highly experienced events professionals have lived through – and survived – all the ups and downs of events management, so we know the issues you’re facing and can help you solve them.

Invest in training

It’s important to stay informed about what’s going on in the events industry, particularly as things are changing so rapidly – for example, a great working knowledge of how to run virtual events would be invaluable.

You may not be able to afford a paid-for course at the moment, but industry leaders and companies have been hosting lots of free virtual events, podcasts and webinars – with lots on the currently hot topic of virtual and hybrid event planning.

Start networking

It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Use social media, digital forums and online communities to let people know you’re in the market for a new job. 

Share your expertise and industry knowledge, develop your personal brand and start getting noticed by the right people.

Get job searching

Make sure your CV is up-to-date, and show your achievements, experience, and personality. 

Tailor each covering letter to the role you’re applying for, showing why you’re interested and  a good fit for the role.

You’ll find loads of advice on how to write a great CV on online job websites.

Whether you knew it was coming or the news was a complete shock, being made redundant can feel like you’ve had the rug pulled out from under you. Try to stay positive and keep looking forward. You will get through this,” Alex says.

For prices and to find out more about the Kina Events mentoring programme, please email joanne@kinaevents.com to arrange a 10-minute, no obligation phone call.