One of the most stressful periods in my career unfolded during a major reorganisation at my workplace. Seemingly overnight, everything changed. Projects were abruptly halted, budgets were frozen, and a wave of uncertainty swept through the office.

At first, it might sound like a chance to take things easier, a reprieve from the usual pressures and overtime. But for me, it had the opposite effect. The lack of clear communication, the ambiguity surrounding the future, and the looming possibility of job cuts created a sense of anxiety and dread that I had never experienced before.

I constantly waited for someone – my manager, a senior leader, anyone – to show up and question my very existence at the company. The fear of being deemed redundant, of losing my job, of not being valuable enough, gnawed at me constantly.

The Illusion of Powerlessness

Looking back, I realize that much of my stress stemmed from a feeling of powerlessness. I felt like things were happening to me, that I had no control over the situation, and that my fate was in the hands of others. This sense of powerlessness can be incredibly debilitating, leading to anxiety, fear, and a feeling of being trapped.

The Power of Perspective

But what if this feeling of powerlessness is actually an illusion? What if, even in the midst of uncertainty and change, we still have a degree of agency, a capacity to choose how we respond and how we navigate the situation?

This is where the tools and techniques I’ve learned through coaching and personal development have proven invaluable. If I could go back and face that reorganisation again, armed with the knowledge I have now, I would approach it differently.

• Detaching from Thoughts: I would recognize that those stressful thoughts – the worries, the fears, the “what ifs” – are just thoughts, not truths. They are mental events, not reflections of my inherent worth or capability. By detaching from those thoughts, by observing them without judgment, I could create space for greater clarity and peace of mind.
• Reframing the Situation: I would reframe the situation from one of powerlessness to one of opportunity. Instead of focusing on what I couldn’t control, I would focus on what I could control – my attitude, my actions, my responses. I would see the reorganisation as a chance for growth, for learning, and for potentially discovering new possibilities for my career.
• Embracing Agency: I would remind myself that I always have a choice. Even if the external circumstances were beyond my control, I still had the power to choose how I responded, how I took care of myself, and how I shaped my own future.

Finding Support and Taking Action

During that challenging time, what helped me most was connecting with others, sharing my experiences, and realizing that I wasn’t alone in my struggles. Talking to colleagues, friends, and family provided a sense of support and perspective. It reminded me that we’re all in this together, that everyone faces challenges, and that it’s okay to ask for help.

I also found solace in taking breaks, going for walks, and engaging in activities that helped me to de-stress and recharge. These moments of respite allowed me to clear my head, gain perspective, and return to the situation with renewed energy and focus.

Normalising the Struggle

Company reorganisations can be incredibly challenging, both personally and professionally. They can trigger a range of emotions, from fear and anxiety to frustration and anger. It’s important to normalise these feelings, to acknowledge that it’s okay to struggle, and to create a space where people can openly share their experiences and seek support.

As leaders, we have a responsibility to create a culture of openness and support during times of change. We need to encourage our teams to talk about their challenges, to seek help when needed, and to prioritise their well-being. By doing so, we can navigate these turbulent times with greater resilience, compassion, and ultimately, success.

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