A KICK IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION!

A dismissal, on any grounds, is never pleasant for anyone concerned, but for some people, unbeknown to them at the time, it is a push in a much better direction.

Take for example the worker that has been in the same job for over 20 years. The redundancy package could just be the nest egg necessary for them to go into their own business or do something they've yearned to do for years. It doesn't necessarily have to be the end of the road. However, a natural "grieving" process accompanies any loss, so they shouldn't be too hard on themselves if this is a difficult and emotional time. On the up side, they now have the world at their feet, time on their side and it's just a matter of sorting out which opportunity is best for them.

Certainly, when it is a redundancy situation, the employer generally will provide a lot of support to retrain or find another job of equal or better value with another organization. Although the transition can be very painful, the end-result can be very positive with the individual finding that they have other skills that previously may have gone unrecognized or been underutilized. It is amazing how many people do not realize their full potential, simply due to poor career choices. A redundancy in some ways can re-open doors of opportunity that previously would have remained firmly closed.

On the other hand, if they dismissed the person due to poor performance, this may be a rude awakening. Once again, this is a time for real personal reflection and an opportunity to analyze what went wrong with the job. Perhaps the person poorly matched the skills required for the position or there was not enough support in that particular work place. A dismissal or being fired is a good indication that they may not have been in the right place doing the right thing. A positive outcome though is that it opens a door for them to re-think their career strategy.

I guess the whole process of redundancy or dismissal is a change process and with it comes a change cycle, being a period of denial, submission, acceptance, and then exploration. The key is to make sure that you don't miss the opportunity to evaluate your skills and abilities and to apply these to a new career. If you have let yourself down this time, doesn't mean you will the next. Like falling off a horse, it is important to get straight back on there to overcome your fear. Imagine if the next horse was the one, to take you all the way to your dreams. That thought makes it all seem worthwhile, no matter how painful.

Like most things in life, every situation presents us with both positive and negative aspects. Learn what you can from what's happened. Let it carve out in your heart and life a new standard.

Learn more about this author, Hayley Solich.
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