Yes! A new future
after dismissal
As a member of the Works Council, Trudie had seen the planned reorganization coming for some time. She was aware of the plans to relocate production right from the start. A year ago, the plans were presented, and some time later Trudie also learned she had been declared redundant. Her job in the supply chain department was eliminated. It took some adjusting, but she quickly switched gears: There is life after this company.
You are no longer needed...
‘I knew for quite a while that major changes were coming. It made me uneasy in a way, and I couldn’t talk to anyone about it. But the big advantage was that I had a year to think about my future. During lunchtime walks with my husband, we regularly discussed, ‘what do I want to do next?’ and ‘what suits me?’. When the dismissal finally came, it still surprised me how much it affected me. The feeling of ‘you are no longer needed’ was overwhelming. But I went home and quickly switched mindset. Soon after, I thought: ‘Yes, a new future, interesting!’
I saw and still see it as a great gift
I’m positive by nature and not someone who gives up easily. I also felt like I had become complacent in my work. Now everything was open again and I could see the opportunities. What happened to me, felt and still feels like a great gift. The door was slightly ajar and I threw it wide open. My own happiness—that’s up to me. For too long, I let that depend on an employer I had outgrown. Now I realize I let it happen myself. I’ll never let it get that far again. I want to work with pleasure and keep developing myself. Taking control myself gives me so much energy. It feels like I’m heading into a second youth.
I believe in you
The outplacement program gave me the confidence to enter a field I was less familiar with: applying for jobs. We mapped out my strengths and weaknesses and practiced job interviews. The confirmation from my coach Marleen was exactly what I needed at that moment: ‘Focus on your strengths, you radiate that, and I believe in you.’ That made me feel good and cleared my mind. Exactly the detox I needed. I had a job interview for the position of customs officer. Really challenging, but also very pleasant. I got a phone call that same afternoon that I was through to the next round. An assessment was part of the procedure, but this too proved my suitability for the position! On May 1, I’ll be starting in this job. What a dream scenario.
Worked out fantastically
I got a push to move on. I grabbed that opportunity with both hands. I’ve rediscovered myself. My mind is fresh again. I have a new job with an employer who sees potential in me and wants to invest in me. All I can say is, it’s worked out fantastically for me,’ says Trudie.
Yvonne Oldenhof
Career advisor
What gives me satisfaction is making employees aware of their talents. This allows them to talk about them with enthusiasm again. I sincerely believe in the (resilient) strength of every person!
