Success through the willingness to change your career

Client Report Outplacement:

Being made redundant – the personal challenges of the situation

My redundancy brought with it many difficulties. The disappointment was strong, I missed the daily routine with my colleagues, I felt the dismissal was unfair after many successes at work and in the company.

But I refused to let it get me down and quickly started looking for new career opportunities.

However, the job search turned out to be extremely challenging. The days of simply opening a newspaper and finding a job are over. Today, there are numerous online job boards and networks such as LinkedIn that offer a wide range of opportunities – and yet I often felt overwhelmed and lost.

Initial setbacks sapped my motivation. It was difficult not to lose hope and fall into lethargy. However, I realized that I had to take control. From being a passive passenger, I became the active driver of my life. 

The solution: readiness for a career change

The approach I discovered with OTP opened up new perspectives in my job search by focusing on my skills and strengths. The skills analysis method differed significantly from the approach of conventional job boards, where people often think in narrow categories and look for exactly the job they had before. 

The new approach was the key for me to recognize my strengths and potential more clearly and to look for alternative jobs in a more targeted way. I was able to identify jobs that I would never have considered otherwise, but which turned out to be very suitable. This broadened my horizons and made the job search less daunting. I became more willing to consider new career paths, new jobs and new industries. And to change my career.

When asked how I worked out my skills, it becomes clear that it was a process of self-reflection. At the beginning, it was an arduous process of carefully going through all of the analyses and forms to identify strengths and weaknesses. However, this information proved to be extremely valuable in the interview. During my first online interview at my new company (with a new position in a new industry), I was asked to give an example of one of my transferable strengths, SAP data management. Thanks to the prepared examples, I was able to

This inner process of self-examination was crucial in overcoming the frustration and powerlessness that often accompanies unemployment. It motivated me to broaden my search and not just rely on traditional job advertisements

Self-reflection: coaching as a growth process

Coaching helped me to move forward with this arduous work. Although I wasn’t enthusiastic at first, my coach made it clear to me that it was important to have examples of my skills ready and to be able to present them for new professional challenges. This toolkit was crucial to my success. Yes, the coaching sessions played a crucial role. It wasn’t just about filling out forms.

Of course, you also need someone to keep reminding you that every action in the application process has a purpose. The process can be frustrating and you need occasional reassurance that you are actually making progress by moving forward. One other important role of the coach is to offer support when frustration arises. By jointly reviewing and confirming progress in the application process, the willingness to change professionally was strengthened, which ultimately led to success.  

My awareness of my own abilities and potential expanded during my coaching process, even after 20 years of professional experience. However, doubts also arose, particularly as to whether my existing skills were sufficient for new challenges. This uncertainty is normal and part of the application process. Coaching can help you overcome this uncertainty and take the initiative. It can show you where you can apply and what opportunities there are to take action. It’s not just about improving the application process, but also about finding the courage to embark on new paths and find success in the career change.

This inner process of coming to terms with myself was crucial in overcoming the frustration and powerlessness that came with unemployment. What makes a good coach is a mixture of empathy and pragmatism. It is important that the coach is empathetic, but at the same time provides the impetus to take action and take concrete steps to find a job. The point is not to remain passive, but to take the wheel and steer your life back on the right track. 

OTP Outplacement: Career counseling for personal growth

Outplacement is often associated with negative connotations that can indicate a supposed failure in professional life. However, outplacement at OTP is much more than just a job search program. It is career counseling. It offers personalized support from a coach who provides individual support and guidance that goes far beyond just the information available on the internet. This personal approach makes all the difference and has a major impact on success.

During the outplacement program, I not only reflected on my professional career, but also on my self-image and professional awareness. This reflection promotes the willingness to consider completely new jobs and to say goodbye to cherished professional activities. It can lead to a heightened awareness of one’s own abilities and potential, which can have a positive impact on future professional activities. It is a kind of personal growth that is a valuable asset for the future.

In my case, through the OTP’s outplacement program, I have developed an increased awareness of my professional skills and opportunities. I am sure that this will also support me in my future career.

OTP thanks our client for this exciting report. We would be happy to discuss this topic with you in more detail. Please contact us!