Redundancy is becoming an unsettling reality for many in the UK, but if you live in London, the threat is even greater. A recent study by personal finance experts Wealth of Geeks found that Londoners are more likely to face redundancy in 2024 than those in any other region. Between January and October 2023 alone, the capital recorded 52,173 potential redundancies—equating to 593 per 100,000 people. February was particularly brutal, with redundancy notifications soaring 140% above the London average.
With employers continuing to cut costs due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, redundancy isn’t just a number—it’s a personal crisis that can shake a man’s confidence, self-worth, and sense of stability. For many men, losing a job isn’t just about income; it’s about identity. How do you explain redundancy to family and friends? How do you deal with the sudden loss of routine, status, and purpose? And most importantly—how do you rebuild?
This blog explores the impact of redundancy on men, looking beyond the numbers to the emotional, psychological, and social toll it takes. Whether you're dealing with job loss yourself or supporting someone who is, this article will shed light on the real challenges men face and offer guidance on navigating this difficult transition.
The Punch That No One Sees Coming
Redundancy isn’t just about losing a job—it’s about losing a sense of identity, purpose, and, for many men, self-worth. When you tell people you’ve been made redundant, you might get a sympathetic nod, a quick "That’s tough, mate," and then the conversation moves on. But inside, the impact is seismic. You’re not just dealing with the financial hit; you’re wrestling with the question: Who am I now?
For a lot of men in Britain, work isn’t just a paycheck—it’s a foundation. It’s how you justify your place in the world, how you provide for your family, and, in many ways, how you measure your own value. When that’s taken away, it can feel like the rug has been pulled from under you. Yet, in a culture that values stoicism and "just getting on with it," few people really talk about what happens when that sense of purpose is stripped away.
Why Redundancy Hits Men So Hard
There’s an unspoken rule in society that men should be providers. From an early age, boys are taught that their value is tied to what they do—not necessarily who they are. This is why so many men struggle in silence when redundancy happens. It’s not just about finding another job; it’s about the internal battle of feeling needed versus feeling disposable.
It doesn’t help that, in Britain, job loss is often framed as a "blessing in disguise" or an "opportunity for something new." While that might be true eventually, in the moment, it can feel like a hollow platitude. The reality is that redundancy brings a cocktail of stress, fear, and shame that few people acknowledge.
Financial pressure builds. Relationships become strained. Confidence takes a hit. And with each job rejection or lack of response, the fear creeps in—What if I never get back to where I was?
The Hidden Toll on Mental HealthMen are already less likely than women to talk about their emotions, and redundancy often reinforces that silence. The stress and anxiety that come with losing a job can lead to depression, increased drinking, withdrawal from friends and family, and in some cases, even suicidal thoughts.
Yet, instead of reaching out, many men retreat. They convince themselves they need to "man up" and sort it out alone. But isolation only makes things worse.
What Others See vs. What You Feel
While you’re grappling with the shock of redundancy, those around you see it differently. Your friends, family, and spouse know you’ve lost your job, but they don’t always understand the deeper emotional impact.
- Friends might assume you’re just “between jobs” and suggest you “enjoy the time off.” They might joke about you finally having time for the pub or catching up on Netflix, not realizing that every day out of work feels like another dent in your confidence. They may not check in as often, assuming you’ll bounce back.
- Family members—parents, siblings—might offer well-meaning but frustrating advice. “Why don’t you just apply for anything?” or “You’ve got loads of experience, you’ll be fine.” They don’t see the sleepless nights, the self-doubt, the feeling of being left behind while others move forward.
- Your spouse or partner feels the weight in a different way. At first, they may be supportive, reassuring you that “something will come up.” But as the weeks go on, tension can build. Financial strain adds pressure, and unspoken fears creep in—will this change who you are? Will it change the relationship? If children are involved, the responsibility feels even heavier. They want to help, but they might not know how, and sometimes, their encouragement feels like pressure rather than support.
The world sees a man who has lost a job. You feel like a man who has lost himself. And that gap—between what others perceive and what you’re actually experiencing—can make redundancy feel even lonelier.
How Redundancy Affects Different Men in Different Ways
Redundancy is hard on any man, but the way it impacts you can depend on more than just your job title. Your background, identity, and personal circumstances shape how you experience job loss—and how others respond to it. While redundancy is often framed as a “universal challenge,” the truth is that some men face additional barriers, stigma, and emotional weight.
Cultural Expectations and Pressures
For men from ethnic minority backgrounds, redundancy can carry a deep cultural burden. Many cultures place a strong emphasis on the man as the financial provider, and losing a job isn’t just a personal setback—it can feel like a failure to the entire family.
- Immigrant families often rely on one member’s stable income, sometimes supporting relatives both in the UK and back home. If you’ve been raised to see financial stability as a duty, redundancy can trigger immense guilt and shame.
- Black and South Asian men often face additional workplace discrimination, making it harder to secure new roles quickly. Studies show that job seekers with non-English names receive fewer interview invitations, adding frustration to an already difficult situation.
- Men from working-class backgrounds may feel pressure to “just get on with it,” avoiding discussions about mental health because struggling financially is seen as normal.
In many of these cases, therapy can be a game-changer—not just for emotional support, but to help challenge the internalised beliefs that tie self-worth solely to financial success.
Disability and Redundancy: The Double Hit
Men with disabilities or chronic health conditions already face higher barriers to employment. When redundancy happens, it’s not just about finding another job—it’s about finding one that accommodates specific needs.
- Some men worry about disclosing disabilities when applying for new roles, fearing they’ll be overlooked.
- Others may have lost a job because their employer saw them as “less productive” due to their condition, even if that’s not the full story.
- If you receive disability benefits, redundancy may trigger complicated financial uncertainty about eligibility and income support.
The mental toll can be enormous, and therapy can provide a safe space to unpack these fears while exploring next steps that align with your abilities and goals.
Neurodivergence and the Job Search Battle
For neurodivergent men—whether diagnosed with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or other cognitive differences—redundancy can feel like a particularly brutal rejection. The struggle isn’t just about losing work; it’s about navigating a job market that often isn’t built for the way they think and operate.
- The uncertainty and change that come with job loss can be overwhelming, especially for autistic men who thrive on structure and routine.
- ADHDers may find it harder to self-motivate or create a job-hunting structure without external accountability, leading to increased stress and self-doubt.
- Many neurodivergent men already mask their struggles in the workplace. Redundancy can unearth long-standing frustrations about feeling misunderstood or undervalued in professional settings.
Therapy can help neurodivergent men find ways to work with their strengths rather than against them—whether that’s by exploring workplace accommodations, identifying careers that better suit their needs, or developing strategies for managing stress.
LGBTQ+ Men and the Hidden Challenges of Redundancy
For LGBTQ+ men, redundancy can stir up unique challenges. If your workplace was a rare safe space, losing that job might feel like losing part of your community. If you were already dealing with discrimination or microaggressions at work, job loss may bring back fears about navigating another workplace culture.
- Financial vulnerability is a reality for many LGBTQ+ men, especially those without family support. Redundancy can trigger deep anxieties about economic security and stability.
- Some may have hidden parts of their identity in the workplace to “fit in.” The job search may raise new worries about whether to be open or cautious in future roles.
- Mental health struggles are statistically higher among LGBTQ+ individuals, making redundancy an even greater risk factor for anxiety and depression.
Therapy can offer a safe space to process these fears and explore options that align with personal values and career aspirations.
Redundancy Hits Differently—But No One Has to Face It Alone
Losing your job affects different men in different ways. The weight of cultural expectations, disability-related barriers, neurodivergent challenges, or LGBTQ+ concerns can make redundancy feel even more isolating. But support exists. Therapy, peer networks, and career coaching can help men from all backgrounds navigate this chapter—not just by finding another job, but by rediscovering purpose and self-worth beyond work.
How Therapy Can Help You Rebuild After Redundancy
Losing your job can feel like losing a part of yourself, and while friends and family might offer words of encouragement, they don’t always understand the depth of what you’re going through. Redundancy isn’t just about finances—it’s about identity, purpose, and self-worth. That’s why getting professional support can be a game-changer.
Getting Support Through the NHS
If redundancy is taking a toll on your mental health, your first step might be visiting your GP. They can assess your situation and refer you to NHS-funded mental health support, such as:
- NHS Talking Therapies (formerly IAPT) – This free service offers Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), counselling, and guided self-help for stress, anxiety, and depression. You can self-refer online in most areas, meaning you don’t even need to go through your GP.
- Medication & Further Support – If needed, your GP may discuss medication or refer you for specialist support.
While NHS services can be helpful, they often come with long waiting lists, and some men feel uncomfortable opening up in a system that can sometimes feel clinical or rushed. This is where private therapy can provide a more tailored, immediate, and effective alternative.
How Therapy Can Help You Rebuild
Therapy isn’t about sitting in a room and just talking about feelings—it’s about strategy, perspective, and rebuilding confidence. It’s about learning how to deal with the loss, navigate uncertainty, and challenge the negative self-talk that comes with redundancy.
Here’s how therapy can help:
Reframing Identity: Therapy helps men separate who they are from what they do. Your job is a part of you, but it doesn’t define you.
Managing Stress & Anxiety: Losing a job is one of life’s biggest stressors. Therapy provides practical coping strategies to keep you mentally strong.
Breaking the Shame Cycle: Speaking about redundancy with a therapist allows you to process emotions in a judgment-free space, preventing guilt from turning into self-destruction.
Rebuilding Confidence: When rejection letters pile up, self-doubt kicks in. Therapy helps men regain a sense of self-worth and see setbacks as temporary, not permanent.
Planning Next Steps: It’s easy to feel stuck, but therapy can help you create a roadmap—whether it’s finding a new role, retraining, or exploring self-employment.
Moving Forward—One Step at a Time
Redundancy can feel like a knockout blow, but it doesn’t have to define you. Many men come out the other side stronger, more self-aware, and with a renewed sense of purpose. The key is to not go through it alone. Whether it’s talking to a therapist, a trusted friend, or a career coach, reaching out is not a sign of weakness—it’s a step towards reclaiming control.
If you’ve been made redundant, know this: You are not useless. You are not alone. And you will find your way forward.
How Male Minds Counselling Can Help
At Male Minds Counselling, I understand the unique pressures that redundancy places on men. Unlike general therapy services, I specialise in working with men who feel stuck, frustrated, or uncertain about their future.
Here’s how I can support you:
- A Space Where You Don’t Have to Pretend – No toxic positivity, no “look on the bright side” clichés—just real conversations about what you’re facing and how to move forward.
- Understanding Male Identity & Purpose – Many men struggle with redundancy because work is tied to their sense of worth. We’ll explore who you are beyond your job and help you rebuild confidence.
- Practical Coping Strategies – From managing stress and anxiety to dealing with rejection and career uncertainty, I offer strategies tailored to your situation.
- A Flexible, Tailored Approach – Whether you need short-term guidance or long-term support, we’ll work at a pace that suits you.
Redundancy can feel like a dead-end, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right support, you can turn this setback into an opportunity to rebuild—not just your career, but your confidence, self-worth, and future direction.
Cassim