Ah, restructuring. That word alone sends chills down the spine of employees everywhere. Whether you’ve been at your company for years, bonded with your work family, and have your sights set on retirement – or maybe you’re already mentally clocking out, hating the Monday morning grind – there’s one thing both situations have in common: nobody likes a shake-up.
But when your company announces a restructuring, that’s exactly what happens. Suddenly, the workplace feels less like a home and more like a game of musical chairs, with everyone scrambling to hold onto their spot.
So, what do you do?
Why Companies Restructure
Before you start spiralling, let’s break down the reasons why companies go through these changes. It’s rarely personal. Most of the time, they’re either streamlining operations, cutting costs, or keeping up with tech and market trends. Think of it as the company Marie Kondo-ing itself – tossing what no longer “sparks joy” and doubling down on what does. Maybe there’s a merger or acquisition in the mix, or a new leadership team making their mark. Whatever the reason, the end result is often the same: uncertainty for employees.
The Reality Check
Restructuring isn’t all doom and gloom. Some employees might find themselves being promoted or handed new responsibilities that could lead to amazing opportunities. But others, well…might be facing the opposite. Downsizing, demotions, or even losing your job entirely.
Trust me, I know this all too well.
A few years ago, I was in your shoes – a senior management accountant in the supply chain sector. Life was good until one day it wasn’t. The company restructured, and suddenly, my role was made redundant. I found myself looking in from the outside. It felt like a dead end. But what happened next was the game-changer.
Be Proactive, Not Reactive
When you sense changes coming, don’t wait until you’re cornered. Here’s my advice:
1. Get Yourself a Coach
When I found myself backed into a career corner, I didn’t know what to do at first. But I reached out to a coach who helped me figure out my next steps. Having an outside perspective was critical. And no, there’s no shame in needing help. We’re all human, and this is a big deal!
2. It’s Not Personal
If your role is eliminated, remember: it’s the position being made redundant, not you. We’re in an era of rapid change – AI, tech, market shifts. We can’t control everything, but we can control how we respond.
3. Explore Your Options
Is it time to switch fields? Aim higher at another company? Or pivot into a totally new career? The silver lining here is the chance to rethink what you really want. Use this period to realign your career with your true ambitions.
How I Turned My Setback Into a Success Story
Let me tell you something: that restructuring ended up being the best thing that ever happened to me. What felt like a career disaster turned out to be the push I needed. With the help of my coach, I realised I had more to offer. Fast forward to today – I’m not just a Fellow of CIMA, but a career coach, keynote speaker, and the host and executive producer of The GYFT Show, a podcast dedicated to helping people exactly like you navigate change.
I know what you’re going through, because I’ve been there. I know what it feels like to lose direction, to question your next move, and to fear what’s coming next. But guess what? I also know how to come out stronger on the other side. And I’m here to help you do just that.
If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or simply unsure of what comes next, it’s time to take action. Book a free consultation with me, and let’s chart a course to your next chapter. You don’t have to go through this alone. Together, we’ll turn this challenge into the best opportunity of your career.