Emma Terleske, Director at Conscientious Communications
“If you know you really want to do something different, seize the opportunity - you might not get it again”
Background
My career in communications - external and internal - has spanned more than 20 years. I've worked across multiple industries, and now specialise in helping organisations deliver great employee engagement and change communications.
When were you made redundant?
December 2012. It was a permanent Head of Employee Engagement role, which I loved, but I fully understood the financial reasons for the role being made redundant.
What did you do after you were made redundant?
I took a couple of months break and then started looking for my next role. I was considering a broad range of opportunities, but nothing was really hitting the mark. I found myself rejecting roles I was being offered, and being turned down for roles that I thought were in the bag. Something wasn't quite right, but I couldn't put my finger on it...
How did you decide what to do next?
I suddenly realised that I didn't actually want another permanent role. I wanted more variety, and to use my experience to help different organisations. So I focused - I set up a limited company, opened a business bank account, stopped looking for permanent roles, and had my first contract within two weeks. That was five and half years ago, and I've never looked back.
What would be your advice to anyone who has just been made redundant?
If you know you really want to do something different, seize the opportunity - you might not get it again. But don't feel pressured into changing your entire career if you're not desperate to; it might not be the right time for you. Finally, be sensible with any redundancy payment - it may need to last longer than you think!
Where you can find Emma