The New Year is often a time of renewed focus.  Having had some time off work to relax, recharge and reflect on the year that was, we may well want to create some change in our lives and often the first thing on the list is a new job.

If you’ve headed back to work, after what for most of us has been glorious weather, with some trepidation; then perhaps the time is right to get inspired and make a move.   Be careful though not to mistake the usual ‘back to work blues’ (something most of us suffer from after a holiday) with the need to make radical changes.  So how do you know when the time IS right to make a change?  Here are our top five reasons.

There’s no doubt about it, being made redundant is an unpleasant experience.  In fact unpleasant is  a  bit of an understatement. I know, I’ve been there!  For many it can be gut wrenching, heart-breaking and confidence shattering but sometimes it can also be the kick in the pants that you need to take your career in a new direction.

Last year I was made redundant from a company I’d worked at for seven and a half years.  I’ll be honest – it hurt.  Having coached people through redundancies before I knew exactly what to expect – a rollercoaster of emotions that included shock, disappointment, anger, frustration and a touch of bitterness.  Phew – that’s a lot to deal with and even though you know it’s technically not your fault it doesn’t necessarily make the situation any easier to manage when you’re feeling like you’ve been put on the scrap heap.

So, how do you lose the redundancy blues and begin to move ahead with your career?  Here are our top tips for moving on career-wise.