Experiencing retrenchment can be challenging and unsettling. It can feel like the ground has been pulled out from under you, leaving you unsure of your next steps. However, while this might feel like a setback, it’s also an opportunity for new beginnings.
Understanding Retrenchment and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA)
Retrenchment can happen for several reasons, and it's important to understand that it's not a reflection of your performance. The BCEA outlines that retrenchment usually occurs due to the following reasons:
- Economic: Financial difficulties faced by a company, leading to the need to cut costs.
- Technological: Automation or the introduction of new technology that reduces the need for specific jobs.
- Structural: Changes in the company's organisational structure or merging with another company that results in redundant roles.
Understanding these reasons helps shift the narrative around job loss and career breaks. It's rarely about individual capabilities or performance but more about external circumstances that are beyond one's control.
Be encouraged by the fact that 95% of skilled women who take a career break, including those retrenched, eventually return to work.
The Emotional Impact of Job Loss
Losing a job can be a deeply emotional experience, as it often impacts more than just your income—it’s intertwined with your sense of identity.
However, this transition period can also be a time to rediscover your strengths and focus on what you bring to an employer. Maintaining a positive mindset during your job search is critical.
Rather than dwelling on the loss, channel your energy into showcasing your skills, building confidence, and highlighting the value you offer to potential employers. A good CV, confident demeanour, and solid references will make a positive impression, helping you to turn this challenge into a new opportunity.
Tips for Maintaining a Positive Mindset After Retrenchment
- Take a Break: Allow yourself time to grieve. Losing a job, especially one you love is a painful experience. Prioritise self-care by getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying active. Understand that finding a new job might take some time, so adapt your lifestyle accordingly.
- Seek Support: Surround yourself with supportive family and friends, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Talking about your feelings can make you feel less alone and reassure you that things will improve. Consider speaking with a therapist or counsellor who can provide guidance.
- Put Retrenchment in Context: In today’s competitive job market, a retrenchment might feel like a black mark on your CV. However, how you perceive and present this experience can make all the difference. If you believe in yourself and frame the retrenchment positively, potential employers are likely to see it in the same way. .
- Establish a Daily Routine: Quickly settle into a routine to create a sense of purpose and optimism. Wake up at the same time each morning, have breakfast, change out of your pyjamas, and engage in some physical activity, like a walk or run. This routine helps maintain a positive outlook and structure.
- Use Your Job Search Time Wisely: While you can’t control how long it will take to find a new job, you can control how you spend this time. Focus on what you can control, such as regularly applying for jobs, learning new skills and expanding your network. Update your CV and assess your most marketable skills to improve your chances of landing a new job.
- Highlight your transferable skills: When updating your CV after retrenchment, highlight your transferable skills—those valuable abilities across various roles and industries. These might include problem-solving, communication, project management, or leadership skills. Identify where you've successfully applied these skills in previous positions and emphasise them in your CV. Tailor your job search by matching these transferable skills to the requirements of new roles, showing potential employers how your experience is relevant and adaptable to their needs. This approach broadens your job opportunities and demonstrates your versatility and openness to new challenges.
Resilience and Moving Forward
Experiencing a significant setback like job loss can be traumatic, but remember, you’re not alone. Many have walked this path and come out stronger. Control what you can, and try not to get discouraged. You are more resilient than you think, and your skills remain valuable. Maintain a positive attitude, and don't hesitate to ask for help if needed.
A setback is often a setup for a comeback. Stay strong, stay positive, and keep moving forward.
At RecruitMyMom we are used to gaps in CV’s. We work with thousands of skilled mothers who have taken career breaks, some of whom were retrenched.
