Q&A: How do I survive redundancy?

 Dear Anonymous

Sadly, you are not alone. While green shoots are reported, a 15% drop in the ad market last year is showing up in staffing cuts right now, not to mention the severe issues facing the freelance community. Having been through it (several times) we know redundancy can be truly overwhelming. Given everyone’s experience is unique, we asked around to get some different viewpoints and advice and hope they may be of help to you.

The Survivor: How do you cope in the immediate aftermath?

Mark Sammon, branded content consultant/exec producer

“Whether you wanted to stay or not, the decision has been snatched away from you. Prepare for the self-doubt and a blow to your ego, we all go through it, unless you’re a psychopath (lucky you!). Those dark 3 am (and pm) thoughts start creeping in, making you question your worth, intelligence and every move you’ve ever made.

”We like to believe we are in control, the star of our own show (narcissism anyone?) but there are a million factors beyond our grasp that led to you getting the boot; the economy; the whims of your new boss (or owners); or maybe it just wasn’t the right fit? My advice is to focus on the cold hard facts, not your spiralling thoughts, especially the positive ones that will lift you out of this hole. Not toxic positivity, simply what you have achieved. Remember this is just a blip in your unpredictable career, oh, and those morons who let you go, clearly they can’t see your brilliance!”

The Pivoter: Is it really possible to pivot?

Julie Swanston, executive creative director concepts and new product development, Merlin Entertainment

“Yes. I’m a bit of a serial pivoter. I started my career in publishing, moved over to marketing in broadcast then into channel management and commissioning before exiting TV to join Merlin. My job now is to come up with innovative formats for Merlin to exploit their IP, it’s not so different from imagining how to appeal to our audience with a new commission. I’ve transferred my skills over to a different industry and they all still work.”

The reinventor: How hard is it to go freelance if you’ve never done it?

Greg Sanderson, freelance executive producer

“Having been an MD and a commissioner for such a long time, initially I was a bit uncertain about going freelance and exploring different types of work that interested me. But now I’ve got a great mix of things I do, with lots of different people and I love the variety. It’s a bit like jumping into a cold pool on a hot day, there’s the anticipation before and a bit of shock when you hit the water but once you’re in its great. I’ve never been happier.” 

The coach: Break it down, take it slowly, trust your instincts,

 Dee Smith, co-founder, Quicksmith

When experiencing big changes, especially ones beyond our control, it’s essential to break them into bite-sized chunks to make it easier to manage. There is a lot of natural fear that comes with this situation. It’s important to recognise that and to take steps to stabilise and understand how you really feel.

Fears around money can be paralysing so try to face your financial situation head on. We’ve created this little tool called the Major Number that you’re welcome to use for free.

TV people have to operate at great speed, so for now try to pace yourself, the answers might not come immediately. For moments when it all feels too much, this quote from Tao Use might be, well, useful - “the journey of 1000 miles starts with a single step”. Each one, no matter how small, will keep you moving, help rebuild your confidence and allow hope and reconnection to grow.

The headhunter: Work out what you want and then ask everyone you know to help

 Sally Quick, co-founder, Quicksmith

You may not have chosen it, but if you’re saying you have time on your hands, this is actually a great opportunity to work out who you are now, where you want to be and who might help you get there.

Start by writing down how you would sum up your experience to date. Create 5 bullet points that encapsulate what you love to do. Are these skills transferable? Pivoting is possible but you need to do your research and build connections. Go to conferences, join linkedin groups, ask questions, show interest. It can take from three to 12 months so get started.

But the main thing here is, don’t do this alone! Write out a list of the people who you most trust, friends and family but also your peers and even your old bosses. You will be surprised how many people will want to help you if you ask them directly, keep your requests short and to the point and make it easy for them to introduce you to others.

Good luck and keep the faith. It might not feel like it sometimes, but we’re all in this together.