In this candid and supportive episode of SEOs Getting Coffee hosts Sean and Emina are joined by digital marketing consultant and podcast producer Sarah McDowell to tackle a subject that’s affecting more people than ever: redundancy.
With her signature warmth and honesty, Sarah shares how being let go early in her career helped shape her resilience and why embracing tough moments can often lead to even stronger opportunities. The conversation goes beyond advice – it’s about mindset, self-worth, and practical next steps.
Whether you’re fresh out of a job or supporting someone who is, in SEO or any industry, this episode offers timely advice for anyone navigating change in their career.
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Putting Yourself Out There After Redundancy | SEOs Getting Coffee Ep.37
Sarah’s Story: Being Let Go Doesn’t Define You
Sarah opened up about being let go from a head of marketing role early in her career. Despite being excited about the opportunity, she realised she had stepped too far, too soon. The experience, although painful, became a crucial turning point.
Here’s what she learned:
- It’s okay to make mistakes, especially early in your career.
- You need time to emotionally process a setback before you can move forward.
- Reflection is key. It helped her reframe the experience as a learning opportunity, not a failure.
Redundancy Without Fault: When It’s Not About You
Not all redundancies are the result of mistakes. As the industry shifts, especially with AI changing workflows, many skilled professionals are being let go through no fault of their own. Sarah emphasised:
- Allow yourself to feel the frustration and unfairness, but don’t stay there.
- Focus on what you can control: mindset, response, and recovery.
- A positive outlook helps create momentum for future opportunities.
From Setback to Strategy: What to Do Next
Sarah broke the process of moving forward into two parts: emotional recovery and strategic planning.
Emotional Recovery
- Take time to feel your emotions.
- Talk it out with others who’ve been through it.
- Prioritise wellbeing – good food, sleep, and movement.
Strategy and Career Planning
- Reflect on your experience: what you enjoyed, what didn’t work, and what you want in your next role.
- Identify what skills or experience you may want to build on.
Make a flexible plan, structure helps, but don’t rule out unexpected opportunities.
Practical Steps for Moving Forward
Sarah shared several actionable ideas for anyone navigating a career shift:
- Set Short-Term Goals: Use this time to define the kind of roles you want to pursue.
- Upskill: Take online courses or attend industry conferences. Many offer scholarships or free tickets.
- Connect with the Community: Reach out to others in your desired role on LinkedIn. Ask about their day-to-day challenges and advice.
- Slide into DMs: Some of Sarah’s past jobs came directly from casual conversations with industry peers.
Work on Personal Branding: Post on LinkedIn, contribute to industry publications, or speak at events or on podcasts – whatever aligns with your comfort level.
Should You Post About Redundancy on LinkedIn?
It’s a personal choice, and it can feel vulnerable. But Sarah encourages transparency. In her experience:
- Posts about redundancy are met with empathy and support.
- Sharing your availability publicly can help others connect you to opportunities.
- It fosters authenticity, a quality increasingly valued in the digital space.
The Importance of Mindset
Sarah emphasised that building resilience isn’t just about career tactics; it’s about how you take care of yourself. Her advice:
- Don’t internalise being let go as personal failure.
- Focus on growth; every experience adds value.
- Treat this time as an investment in yourself.
Room 404: What Sarah Would Banish Forever
When asked what she’d like to permanently remove from the industry, Sarah didn’t hesitate: being asked to work for free for International Women’s Day.
She highlighted a broader frustration with events and organisations asking women to volunteer their time and expertise without compensation, especially under the guise of visibility or celebration.
As Sarah put it: “Pay women their worth. Visibility doesn’t pay bills.”
Final Thoughts
Redundancy can feel like the end of the road, but it rarely is. For Sarah, it became the start of a more intentional and fulfilling career. Her advice? Prioritise reflection, protect your wellbeing, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help.
This episode serves as a reminder that everyone experiences setbacks. But with the right mindset and support, they can become your next stepping stone.
For more insights and in-depth conversations on the latest in SEO and digital marketing strategies, stay stuned for upcoming episodes of “SEOs Getting Coffee.” Subscribe to our channel for regular updates and expert opinions.
Connect with Sarah McDowell
Podcast Producer. Digital Marketing Consultant & SEO Specialist.
