HOW BEING MADE REDUNDANT TAUGHT ME A MAJOR LIFE LESSON

Years ago, a company merger led to my redundancy.

The competitive, uncertain environment fuelled the male execs to jostle for the top jobs and prioritise their own interests—leaving a lasting impact.

In a boys’ club culture, the first to be excluded are often women.

And I know I’m not the only one who’s lived that.

When HR gave me the news, I was shocked—but also oddly relieved that my time in a business where I no longer felt valued was ending.

In the weeks that followed, despite the financial stress and unknowns, I felt a flicker of excitement and possibility.

And then the realisation hit me.

I’d been seeing myself the way that company had reflected me back—like someone who didn’t matter anymore.

That mindset shift changed everything.

I started to value myself again.

My confidence grew. My perspective changed.

I saw what I had to offer. And more importantly, I got clear on what I wanted.

In the months that followed, I worked hard to rebuild my confidence.

To recognise my strengths.

To stop asking “What do they want?” and start asking “What do I want next?”

Eventually—after many interviews—I found a role where I felt respected, challenged, and supported.

But the biggest change wasn’t the job.

It was that I’d learned to advocate for myself. And I’ve carried that with me ever since.

If you’ve recently been laid off or made redundant, here’s what I want you to know:

You’re not alone. You’re not broken. And your worth hasn’t changed.

It’s OK if you don’t feel ready yet.

But when you are, try asking:

What would it look like to value myself—even now?

That’s where it starts.