Facing Redundancy in Wellington? You're Not Alone

Over the past two years, Wellington has experienced significant change. Public sector restructures, spending cuts, and organisational reviews have left many people facing uncertainty about their jobs and careers. Recent government announcements indicate that further reductions are likely across parts of the public service, creating understandable concern for many Wellington workers and their families.

I know this experience personally.

Earlier this year, I found myself navigating redundancy after many years in a role and organisation I cared deeply about. While every situation is different, redundancy often brings a complex mix of emotions that can be difficult to explain to others.

There may be shock, disappointment, anger, fear, grief, uncertainty, or even relief. Sometimes all of them at once.

One of the biggest misconceptions about redundancy is that it is "just a job." In reality, work often provides much more than a pay cheque. It can contribute to our identity, confidence, purpose, social connection, routine, and sense of security. When that suddenly changes, it is completely normal to feel unsettled.

What I Learned Through My Own Redundancy

Like many people, my first reaction was to focus on finding the next role as quickly as possible.

What I gradually realised was that my mindset mattered just as much as my CV.

There is a natural tendency after redundancy to move into fear, scarcity, and self-doubt:

• What if I don't find another role?

• What if I'm too old?

• What if there aren't enough opportunities?

• What if I've missed my chance?

These thoughts are understandable, but they rarely lead to our best decisions.

The people who navigate career transitions most successfully are often those who can acknowledge their emotions while staying connected to their strengths, capabilities, and future possibilities.

If You're Facing Redundancy Right Now

Here are a few things I would encourage you to remember:

1. Your redundancy is not your worth

A restructure is a business decision, not a measure of your value as a person or professional.

2. Allow yourself time to process

Many people try to stay strong and push their feelings aside. Giving yourself permission to acknowledge what has happened can help you move forward more effectively.

3. Focus on what you can control

You may not be able to control organisational decisions, but you can control your response, your preparation, your networking, your learning, and the actions you take each day.

4. Reach out for support

Career transitions can feel isolating. Talking with trusted friends, mentors, coaches, recruiters, or colleagues can make a significant difference.

5. Remember that change often creates opportunities

This can be difficult to believe in the early stages. Yet many people later look back and discover that redundancy became the catalyst for a role, career direction, business opportunity, or life chapter they may never have pursued otherwise.

A Different Way to View This Chapter

If redundancy has recently become part of your story, I encourage you to be gentle with yourself.

This is not the end of your career.

It is not evidence that you have failed.

It is not a reflection of your value.

It is simply a chapter.

You have skills, experience, strengths, and personal qualities that remain unchanged regardless of what is happening around you.

Sometimes life closes a door that we would never have chosen to close ourselves. Yet over time, many of those same moments become turning points that lead us somewhere better aligned with who we are becoming.

As someone who has walked this path personally and supported others through major life and career transitions, I know that while redundancy can be challenging, it can also become the beginning of a new and meaningful chapter.

You do not have to navigate it alone.

Experiencing redundancy or a career transition?
I offer coaching and support for professionals navigating job loss, career uncertainty, workplace change, and new beginnings.

If redundancy has touched your life, you may also find support and practical guidance in my article, Facing Redundancy in Wellington? You're Not Alone, where I explore the challenges of career transition, rebuilding confidence, and navigating uncertainty.