“I know I need a job… but I don’t want to panic-pick the wrong one.”

Today I’m analysing the situation of Ben.

Ben reached out because he’d booked a call with me to talk about his career next move. But then he was made redundant just before our call.

He’d seen “the writing on the wall” for a while. The role had been changing. The autonomy he loved was being stripped away. His team had gradually disappeared. And even though he knew it was coming… it still hit.

Now he’s in that weird space where his brain is going: I need a job. I need a job. But his gut is going: I need the right job.

What’s the challenge?

Ben’s confidence has taken a knock. Redundancy does that, even when you know it’s time to leave.

On top of that, he’s stuck in a classic post-redundancy spiral: scrolling job boards and feeling like the only options are the ones posted online.

And he’s worried that if he slows down to think, he’ll “fall behind”.

How can he move forward?

Ben needs a two-track approach.

Track one is emotional: let the feelings happen, then face forward.

Track two is practical: get clear on what he actually wants, while still moving quickly when good roles come up.

Because the worst outcome isn’t “it takes a few weeks”.

The worst outcome is rushing into another role that strips Ben of the exact things he’s craving: autonomy, ownership, leadership, purpose.

My advice

1. Give yourself a beat to process

Even if you’re staying positive, it’s okay to feel shocked, angry, embarrassed, sad, lonely. Redundancy is a lot. Let it move through you, so it doesn’t follow you into interviews.

2. Build a “filter” before you apply

Ben already knows the work he wants: generalist marketing, hands-on, digital, close to business objectives, ideally leading a team and coaching others.

Write those down as non-negotiables. That becomes your decision-making filter.

3. Position the redundancy cleanly

No drama. No over-explaining. Keep it simple and future-focused: “The business restructured and my role was impacted. I’m now excited to find a role where I can lead strategy and still be hands-on.”

4. Stop being led by LinkedIn

Yes, apply for roles. But don’t let job boards decide your direction.

Start reaching out directly to founders, leaders, and hiring managers at companies you’d actually love. Most people won’t do this. That’s why it works.

5. Don’t assume the next role has to be a compromise

When you’re not working, it’s easy to believe you should just take whatever comes first. 

But here’s the thing. It’s just as hard to get the dream job as it is to get the “fine for now” job.

So you might as well aim for the one you actually want. Yes, keep an open mind. Yes, have a Plan B. But don’t shrink your ambition just because you’ve had a setback.

Redundancy is one of those moments in a career that can shake your confidence.

But it can also be the moment that resets the direction of your career for the better.

I’ve seen it happen many times (for myself as well as clients)

And if you’re going through something similar right now, you’re not alone in it.

If Ben’s story feels familiar and you want help turning uncertainty into a clear plan (and then a job offer), that’s what I do inside Creative Career Level Up.