Redundancy & Dismissal - Signs at Home

Changes in our behaviour are often the most apparent indicators that things are going astray in our lives. You may start to do things that are out of character, friends and family may comment on the change in your personality, outlook or attitude. Problems at work sometimes initially manifest themselves at home where you feel comfortable to express yourself without fear of consequence. 

The fear of losing your job through redundancy or dismissal can dramatically affect your home life. Problems in your personal life may also make you more vulnerable to job cuts as you become less reliable and focused at work. So what are the most common behaviour indicators that show there is a problem?

• You are suddenly unsure of how you feel about work or your career. You may increasingly ask advice on how to proceed at work from your partner or friends. This could be an indicator that you lack confidence in either your ability or the situation.
• You feel constantly anxious. You may be unable to pinpoint the source of anxiety which makes you more worried. This is sometimes because you simply can’t face up to the fact that you may lose your job.
• You lack motivation to go to work – maybe you have had more days off sick, you don’t want to go to work, you find it harder to get out bed or start inventing excuses why you can’t go to work.
• You have physical symptoms such as disturbed sleep, lower sex drive, palpitations, headaches and sweating.
• You cut off communication with your family. You may feel unable to express your fears so appear grumpy or irritable.
• You stop planning for the future. You can’t book that summer holiday because you are worried about the cost. You notice every penny that leaves the bank account and snap when money is unaccounted for.
• Your relationship with your partner becomes more difficult, you argue more or communication breaks down completely. You may become defensive or oversensitive to discussions about work. You react badly when they try to tackle the subject of redundancy or dismissal with you.
• Substance abuse can become a problem. What was one glass of wine after work becomes a bottle every night of the week. You may start smoking, taking recreational or prescription drugs to try and escape your worries.

It is important that you realise each of these behaviours could be an indicator of more serious problems, either in your work life or in other areas. Facing up to issues early on can allow you to take action and stay in control. You can find more sources of help and advice here.