# What the science says about redundancy and the brain's response

- **Episode:** [13](https://agents.truthliesandwork.com/episodes/13.md) (2022-11-22)
- **Type:** other
- **Tags:** redundancy-science, brain-response, psychology
- **Time:** 19:20–22:20 (start 1160s)
- **Listen:** [https://truthliesandwork.com/13?t=1160](https://truthliesandwork.com/13?t=1160)

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[19:20] Al Elliott: So what does all this science mean for the people who've actually been made redundant?
[19:25] Leanne Elliott: Well, it's really flipping inconvenient, Al, to be honest. I mean, let's imagine we're just at the point where we need to be sharp, we need to try and make some sense of this, and we need to make some really big life decisions, but the chemistry in our brain— iPsychology— is basically being thrown around like a jumper in a tumble dryer. Our brains feel so overwhelmed and fuzzy, and Simplest of decisions can be difficult. We're less able to process new ideas. We can't think creatively. We also start to see our tribe, the people around us, as a threat. So, fellow colleagues that either have been made redundant or may have remained in the organisation, we see them as the enemy. We see them as the blocker towards getting that new job, and that just adds to all the stress and emotions. So, all in all, It's a great place to be, Al, when you're embarking on a job search that requires you to be mentally sharp and emotionally resilient. It's just marvellous
[20:21] Al Elliott: I'm guessing that's your English sarcasm there. So, you spoke to Candice about this, didn't you?
[20:27] Leanne Elliott: I did. And fortunately, there are some actions that you can take. You know, as Candice explains, while she does make some reference to, to Twitter in particular, there are lots of transferable tips in there. So, let's have a listen
[20:41] Al Elliott: Take time, honestly. Like, uh, take time to process what it is that you feel, um, and try to understand it. Uh, talk with people who are supportive in your life and really, uh, get those feelings out, uh, because you don't want to carry those. And there will still be a bit of a scar there, uh, from what happened, uh, but making sure that you have supportive people around you who can help you through that process. And ultimately, the amount of TWEEP or Twitter alumni is just amazing. Like, I think, again, it speaks to our culture of everyone who's been through Twitter is still supporting those that are looking for jobs or want to talk to somebody. I've probably Gotten at least 20 requests and forwarded those resumes on to people I know. And so I think it's a natural time for people to want to isolate, depending if you're feeling embarrassed or really just upset, angry. But try not to, because surrounding yourself with the people who support you can be more valuable than anything. And there's a strong network. So obviously, we were together when you were going through your redundancy. And I remember you likening it, I don't know whether it was beginning or middle or the end, to the 5 stages of grieving. So can you talk us through how that affected you and also remind us what these 5 stages are?