Retrenchment

When Change Knocks at Your Door: How to Respond to Job Loss and Uncertainty

A while back, I recorded a short video about retrenchment and how to navigate uncertain times. Rewatching it recently, I realised just how relevant it still is—especially now, as many industries continue to shift, restructure, and adapt to global and local changes. Whether you’re going through a ‘Blueprint restructure’, Organisation realignment, or downsizing.  Living in Western Australia, we have seen many ‘boom and bust’ chapters.

In the video, I shared a story of a friend who reached out because her husband had been retrenched. It was a stark reminder that economic cycles come and go, iron ore and oil prices rise and fall, and businesses restructure. We can’t always control whether these things happen—but we can absolutely control how we respond.

Ability, Motivation, and Attitude

One of my favourite quotes comes from Lou Holtz:

“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”

And that’s the heart of it: your attitude in the face of uncertainty will determine your relationships, your opportunities, your income, and even your health. Stress doesn’t come from what happens to us—it comes from how we think about what happens to us.

Two people can face the same job loss and respond completely differently. One might spiral into fear, while the other looks for opportunity and takes action. The difference? Mindset.

Protect Your Mindset

When my family lived in a residential mining town where the mine closed and 2,000 people lost their jobs, I experienced this firsthand. On the days I let negativity dominate conversations, I didn’t take meaningful action. On the days I filled my mind with positive books, audios, and clarity about what I wanted, I picked up the phone, set up meetings, created events, and enrolled clients.

Your actions reflect your mindset. You may not notice it moment to moment, but by the end of the day your results will show you where your focus has been.

That’s why it’s critical to:

• Guard your inputs—books, conversations, and media matter.

• Avoid surrounding yourself with negativity, even if it feels “safe” to commiserate.

• Focus on opportunities—history shows that downturns often create unexpected breakthroughs.

Did you know more millionaires were made during the Great Depression than ever before in America up to that point? That’s because while others were focusing on scarcity, they were looking for possibility.

Why This Matters Now

Here in late 2025, industries across Australia (and globally) are still experiencing massive shifts—automation, restructuring, and market fluctuations. Maybe you’re directly impacted, or maybe you’re leading a team that is. Either way, your attitude and focus will determine your next chapter.

If you’ve been knocked off track, this is the time to reset. Guard what you feed your mind, get clear on what you want, and surround yourself with people who see opportunities where others only see obstacles.

This is exactly why I coach leaders: to help them redirect their energy, get clear on their goals, and take confident steps forward—even in the face of change.

Ready to Turn Setbacks Into Your Next Opportunity?

If you’re navigating job loss, uncertainty, or change, don’t do it alone. Book a Clarity Coaching Session with me, Jill Hutchison, and let’s ensure your energy is focused where it matters most—so you can create opportunities, not just wait for them.

Note: This video was recorded several years ago (before I even worked in mining or did FIFO) – so some of what I talk about is no longer current – however the message is definitely still relevant!