Have you recently been made redundant?
If you're a mid-career professional who's recently been made redundant or had your contract come to an end, you're probably experiencing a whirlwind of emotions right now. One moment you might feel relieved to be free from a stressful situation, the next you're lying awake at 3am worrying about what comes next.
Perhaps you're someone who's built a solid career over 10, 15, or 20 years. You've climbed the ladder, gained expertise, and established yourself in your field. But now you're facing uncertainty about everything – your income, your professional identity, even your worth in the job market.
These are some of the thoughts that might be going through your mind:
- Should I just look for exactly the same role again?
- What if this is a chance to do something different – but what?
- How do I explain being made redundant to potential employers?
- What if I'm too old to change direction now?
- How long will my savings last if I don't find something quickly?
- What if I never find anything as good as what I had?
If these questions sound familiar, you're not alone. And importantly, there are no "right" answers – only what's right for you.
The truth is: Redundancy might feel like an ending, but it could actually be the beginning of the most fulfilling chapter of your career.
Many of the professionals I work with initially see redundancy as the worst thing that could happen, only to later describe it as the push they needed to find work that genuinely excites them.
You don't have to navigate redundancy alone
I'm Scott Foley, and for over 20 years I've been supporting professionals through career transitions – including many who initially came to me feeling lost after redundancy. What I've learned is that with the right support and approach, redundancy can become the catalyst for finding work that's more aligned with who you are now, not just who you were when you first started your career.
Career coaching isn't about me telling you what to do. It's about creating space for you to work out what's right for you, whether that's finding a similar role in a better environment, pivoting to something completely different, or even starting your own business.
When you're feeling vulnerable after redundancy, it's easy to accept the first opportunity that comes along, even if it's not quite right. My role is to help you remember your worth and pursue opportunities that genuinely fit your skills, values, and aspirations.
How I support mid-career professionals after redundancy
My coaching programme is designed specifically for people in your situation – experienced professionals who need both support and practical guidance to move forward with confidence.
Rebuild your confidence
Redundancy can knock your self-belief, making you forget how capable you actually are. We'll work together to identify your strengths, achievements, and the unique value you bring. This isn't just about feeling better – it's about having a clear sense of what you offer so you can communicate it effectively to potential employers.
Clarify what you actually want
This might be the first time in years you've had the headspace to think about what truly matters to you in work. We'll explore what energised you in previous roles, what drained you, and what you'd like more or less of in your next position. For many clients, this clarity becomes the foundation for making much better career choices.
Explore your options
Whether you want to find a similar role in a better environment or explore something completely different, we'll identify realistic options that align with your skills and interests. This isn't about starting from scratch – it's about leveraging what you've already built in new and potentially more fulfilling ways.
Focusing
Which options are best for you and how you can get there
When you have a number of options under consideration, we go into more depth so you know what to expect, which suit your criteria best, and what steps are involved in making your transition. This is about further research to fill in the gaps, action plans and taking practical 'assignments' to test your ideas.
Action
Support with crafting a highly effective CV, job application or LinkedIn profile are topics we cover at this stage. How to convey your strengths and what you can offer, in interviews or during networking. These are areas I've supported thousands of clients with and can provide detailed practical advice. For clients who decide to start their own business, this can involve support in taking the next steps.
Client feedback
Is this approach right for you?
Redundancy coaching works particularly well for mid-career professionals who:
- Have been in their field for several years and have skills and experience to leverage
- Are open to exploring different possibilities rather than just replacing what they've lost
- Want support with both the emotional and practical aspects of career transition
- Prefer a thoughtful, strategic approach rather than applying for anything and everything
- Are willing to invest time in getting clear on what they want before diving into the job market
Remember: Your skills, experience, and professional value haven't disappeared because of redundancy. They just need redirecting towards opportunities that are a better fit for who you are now.
Ready to Turn Redundancy Into Opportunity?
If you're tired of feeling uncertain about your future and ready to explore what might be possible, I'd welcome the opportunity to help. Sometimes having someone listen to your situation and help you see it from a different perspective can be the first step towards feeling hopeful about what's ahead.
Let's start with a free coaching consultation. We'll talk about what's happening for you right now, what might be getting in your way, and explore some initial ideas about moving forward. There's no pressure – just an opportunity to gain clarity and feel less alone in working out your next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
There's no set timeframe – it depends on your situation and how you're feeling. Some people benefit from immediate support to process what's happened and plan next steps. Others prefer to take a few weeks to decompress before exploring their options. What matters is that you feel ready to engage with the process.
That's absolutely fine. Even if you want to stay in the same field, coaching can help you identify better opportunities, improve your application materials, and approach your search more strategically. Sometimes the goal isn't changing what you do, but finding a better environment to do it in.
Yes, definitely. While we focus heavily on clarity and direction, I also provide practical support with CV writing, LinkedIn optimisation, interview preparation, and job search strategy. Having both the strategic and tactical elements covered gives you the best chance of success.
This is completely understandable and something we'll address directly. We'll work together to create a realistic timeframe for your search that takes your financial situation into account, and explore strategies for managing the transition as smoothly as possible.
It varies depending on your goals and circumstances, but most clients work with me for 3-6 months. Some people need just a few sessions to gain clarity and momentum, while others prefer ongoing support throughout their entire transition. We'll discuss what feels right for your situation during our initial conversation.