Introduction

There’s no sugar-coating it: being made redundant stings.

That moment when HR asks you to “step into a quick meeting,” and you leave the room with a box of your belongings and more questions than answers, is jarring. Whether you had an inkling it was coming or it blindsided you completely, the experience can feel like someone hit pause on your career without your consent.

It’s disorienting, destabilizing, and often deeply personal.

But here’s something that gets lost in the initial wave of uncertainty: redundancy isn’t a reflection of your worth. More often than not, it’s a result of broader business strategy, market shifts, cost-cutting decisions, or unfortunate timing. It happens to high performers, industry veterans, rising stars, and respected leaders. In fact, some of the most successful professionals in the ETF space; and beyond, have been through it.

It’s a reset. One you didn’t ask for, but one that can help shape your next chapter with greater intention, clarity, and momentum. If you’ve just been made redundant, or fear that moment may be around the corner. Here’s how to begin navigating this transition with purpose:

Don’t Internalize It

It’s tempting to make it personal. To play back conversations, analyze your performance, or search for signs you missed. But in most cases, your role was eliminated, not your value. The decision likely had less to do with you and more to do with restructuring, budget realignment, or organizational shifts.

It’s important to separate your self-worth from your job title. Your skills, experience, and character still hold their value. Being made redundant is something that happened to you, it doesn’t define you.

Breathe, Then Plan

The emotional rollercoaster is real. There may be fear, anger, relief, or even guilt. Let yourself feel what you need to feel, but don’t let those emotions drive your decisions.

Step one is simply to pause.

Give yourself permission to slow down. That breathing room, especially if supported by a severance package, is an opportunity to reset.
Then, shift into reflection mode. What did you enjoy most in your last role? What frustrated you? Where did you thrive, and where did you feel stuck?

This isn’t about rushing to update your résumé and blast it out. It’s about being intentional with your next move.

Use the Buffer Wisely

If you’ve received a severance package, resist the urge to see it as “wasted time.” It’s not. It’s a resource. One that buys you mental space, freedom to explore, and the flexibility to make a thoughtful decision rather than a panicked one.

Think of this phase as your personal sabbatical. Even if brief, it’s a chance to rebuild confidence, evaluate options, and set a new direction on your own terms. Use it to sharpen your skills, reconnect with your values, and think beyond the “default” path.

Explore Before You Leap

Redundancy, while disruptive, can be a powerful catalyst for clarity. For many professionals, it becomes a rare window to ask deeper questions:

• Do I want to stay in the ETF space, or is now the time to branch out?
• Would I be happier in a smaller, more entrepreneurial environment?
• Should I transition from product to strategy? From operations to client-facing?
• Is it time to explore a new industry altogether—or even launch something of my own?

These aren’t questions you often ask when you’re “heads down” in your career. But this moment gives you the rare ability to zoom out. Don’t be afraid to challenge assumptions you’ve held about what your career “should” look like.

Tap Your Network

The ETF industry can seem sprawling, but beneath the surface, it’s built on surprisingly tight-knit relationships. Now is the time to lean into those connections: former colleagues, mentors, industry peers, recruiters, alumni groups, and online communities.

Don’t be afraid to reach out, share your story, and ask for support. Most people genuinely want to help, especially if they’ve been through a similar transition. Conversations can lead to unexpected opportunities or simply offer reassurance that you’re not alone.

Remember: networking isn’t about asking for a job. It’s about building relationships and opening doors.

You’re Not Starting Over, You’re Starting Smarter

One of the hardest things about redundancy is the feeling of being sent back to square one. But that’s a misconception. You’re not starting from scratch, you’re starting from experience.

You’ve built skills, solved complex problems, contributed to teams, and navigated challenges. You now also have the wisdom that only comes from navigating adversity. That combination makes you more resilient, more adaptable, and more self-aware.

Many seasoned professionals will tell you that their redundancy was a turning point. One that led them to more fulfilling work, better alignment with their goals, or a long-overdue change they didn’t know they needed.

Write the Next Chapter With Intention

The story of your career isn’t over, it’s just entering a new phase. One where you have more say in what comes next. Redundancy isn’t a failure. It’s a fork in the road. And sometimes, those forks lead to paths you never would’ve considered otherwise.

This is your opportunity to realign. Rebuild. Reimagine. And ultimately, to rise. Reflect on what matters most. Then start writing the next chapter: with intention, courage, and confidence.

We’re here to help you shape what comes next. Browse roles. Connect with the community. Find your next move in ETFs. One that’s not just a rebound, but a true progression.