When work ends, it’s not “just a job” that disappears
For many people, redundancy doesn’t just remove an income.
It removes routine, identity, belonging, purpose — and the quiet reassurance of knowing where you fit.
If you’re facing redundancy right now, it’s important to say this clearly:
What you’re feeling is not weakness. It’s human.
Through the lens of the Six Human Needs (a framework developed in psychology), redundancy hits hard because it disrupts the very foundations we rely on to feel safe, valued, and purposeful.
Let’s look at those needs honestly — without sugar-coating — and then explore practical ways to stabilise yourself through this transition.
How redundancy impacts the six human needs
1. Certainty: gone overnight
Work gives structure. Predictability. A sense of “I know what tomorrow looks like.”
Redundancy removes that in one moment, and the nervous system reacts accordingly.
This isn’t overthinking — it’s biology.
2. Uncertainty: suddenly unavoidable
Questions appear immediately:
What’s next? How long will this last? Will I find something else?
Uncertainty feels threatening when it’s imposed rather than chosen.
3. Significance: shaken at the core
When a role ends, many people unconsciously translate that into:
“If I’m not needed here, how valuable am I?”
This is especially hard for people who derive meaning and pride from responsibility, competence, and contribution.
4. Love and connection: disrupted
Colleagues are more than colleagues.
They’re community, shared language, shared stress, shared wins.
Redundancy can feel like sudden emotional separation — even before anyone actually leaves.
5. Growth: feels out of reach
When confidence drops, growth feels impossible.
People don’t stop wanting to grow — they stop believing they can.
6. Contribution: paused
For those whose work involves helping, supporting, healing, guiding or improving lives, the loss of contribution can feel particularly painful.
When you’re no longer “going in”, it can feel like your value has been switched off.
Reframing the six needs — gently, practically, honestly
This is not about positive thinking.
It’s about finding stable footing in unstable ground.
1. Certainty: reclaim what is still certain
Redundancy removes external certainty — but internal certainty can be rebuilt.
Right now, certainty may look like:
- A daily routine (even a simple one)
- A fixed wake-up time
- One practical task per day you will complete
- Knowing who you can speak to when things feel heavy
Certainty doesn’t have to be big.
It just has to be reliable.
2. Uncertainty: from threat to possibility (in time)
At first, uncertainty is frightening — and that’s normal.
But once the initial shock settles, uncertainty also means:
- You are not locked into one path
- You can explore options without committing immediately
- New networks, roles, or directions may now be accessible
You don’t have to embrace uncertainty yet.
You just have to allow it to exist without fighting it.
3. Significance: separating role from worth
Your role may be ending.
Your value is not.
Significance doesn’t disappear — it just needs redefining.
This might look like:
- Recognising skills that travel with you (not tied to one employer)
- Seeing experience as portable, not obsolete
- Allowing space to ask: Where else could this matter?
Significance doesn’t have to be proven immediately.
Sometimes it just needs protecting while confidence rebuilds.
4. Growth: small steps still count
Growth doesn’t require motivation — it requires permission.
Right now, growth might simply mean:
- Updating a CV without perfecting it
- Having one exploratory conversation
- Learning something small, not career-defining
Growth resumes when pressure reduces.
5. Love and connection: intentionally maintained
While some connections change, others can deepen.
This is a moment to:
- Stay connected with colleagues you trust
- Re-engage with networks you lost touch with
- Use platforms like LinkedIn for support, not performance
Connection doesn’t disappear — it just needs intentional care.
6. Contribution: redefining how you add value
Contribution doesn’t end when a job does.
This transition offers space to reflect:
- Where do I add the most value?
- What drains me vs energises me?
- How do I want my time to matter next?
Contribution often evolves because of moments like this — not despite them.
A final word — and an invitation
Redundancy is scary.
It can be disorienting, destabilising, and deeply emotional.
This isn’t a time for forced optimism or philosophical platitudes.
It’s a time for practical support, kindness, and steady ground.
If this resonates, I’ll be sharing a short, practical workbook as a follow-up — designed to help you:
- Stabilise your mindset
- Rebuild certainty
- Clarify next steps without overwhelm
- Move forward at a human pace
You don’t have to rush.
You don’t have to have answers yet.
You just have to take the next kind step.
If this transition feels heavier than you expected, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to carry it quietly.
Sometimes, a short conversation is enough to help steady the ground and clarify next steps.
If you’d like support navigating this time in a practical, calm, and human way — you’re welcome to reach out. No pressure. No obligation. Just a space to think clearly and move forward at your own pace. Email me: hello@dustiehouchin.com and let me know what you need.
ALIGN | CREATE | BECOME 