This as-told-to essay is based on conversations with Heath Kitson and William Lu, who worked at ANZ Bank in the company’s Melbourne office. The essay has been edited for length and clarity.
Heath Kitson: I managed a team of data analysts, and I was at ANZ for seven years before I was laid off a couple of months ago.
William Lu: I was at the bank for eleven years, and I reported to Heath.
I’ve always said to people that it’s been one of my dreams to be made redundant and enjoy some time off, but when it actually happens, it hits you hard. Part of me still thought that maybe I should just try to make an effort to find another role here. But then, toward the end of the consultation process, I had this overwhelming feeling, like Heath, that the change of strategy and direction meant that the exciting work we were doing was now over. It felt like a time to reset.
Kitson: We both got generous payouts, and the layoff did not hit us financially, and won’t for a while. But it’s definitely been a change — ever since I started work 20 years ago, I haven’t even been out of work for even two weeks.
Tip: Don’t try to job hunt all day
Lu: I haven’t dived into looking for other roles yet. I’m fairly confident in the networks I have and the people I know, so I’m sure I’ll be able to find somewhere warmer to go.
Kitson: Our outplacement service had a recruiter who had spent his career talking to executives in my position. He said that job hunting is a very deflating experience.
His advice was not to try to job hunt for eight hours a day and really grind yourself down, only to arrive at an interview all flat and disillusioned. He suggested spending only two hours a day looking for work and using the rest of the time to do whatever would make me feel happy and refreshed. He said we should be signaling to future employers: ‘I’m the freshest I’ve ever been, I can’t wait to start, I’m back from a trip.’
It reinforced to me that a break was not just part of the long service leave that was given to me, but also something that would help me get my next role. Even when I’ve changed jobs in the past, the companies have wanted me to start right away.
Lu: My outplacement experience wasn’t as profound. My guy started the motions and informed me about the services available to me and the workshops I should attend. I was the one to say: ‘Hold on, I’m not ready to think about this yet. Can we reconvene in February?’
The longest break I’ve had was when I went on my wedding and honeymoon, which lasted three weeks, so this period of paid leave was very welcome.
Doing something active
Kitson: When I started looking into how I wanted to spend my break, I knew I wanted to do something active. So I was thinking skiing, hiking, surfing, or those CrossFit camps. The goal was to find something that energizes me and to come back in better shape than when I left. I did not want to sit around drinking or being hungover for seven days and coming back more tired.
Lu: Heath and I had never hung out outside work at this point, but we were on a call one day after we were let go, when Heath shared that he wanted to go somewhere but did not have someone to go with. I told him that my wife also suggested taking a trip, and I would be up to go with him. We were just exchanging ideas when a surf camp in Bali came up.
For me, it was about experiencing something new as well. I’ve been surfing before, but to go seven days straight and have the opportunity to actually develop that skill properly, I think that was probably what got me over the line.
Traveling as ex-coworkers
Kitson: I probably would’ve come on my own if we couldn’t have worked something out together. But part of the appeal of this place was that we were coming to a community where we’d meet other people.
Lu: It didn’t take too much to convince me, but the thought did cross my mind if it was a really good idea to travel with my ex-boss. But we’ve always had a good relationship and a lot in common.
Kitson: We just got back from our first session this morning, and I felt like I was not thinking about things back home and could focus on the waves. I’ve had a couple of sleepless nights over the past few weeks, but I think I’ll sleep well tonight.
Lu: I wasn’t thinking about work either. When part of you is just slightly worried about drowning, I don’t think you can really think about too much.
The trip has been worth it
Kitson: Our families were pretty happy to have us out of the house, since we’d gone pretty stir crazy. From friends and other coworkers, there was a little bit of friendly jealousy when they heard, and quite a few people wanted to come along. Lots of people asked us when we’re doing the next one.
Lu: It’s only our first day here, but I definitely could come again. There was quite a bit of work leading up to it, like getting visas and SIM cards. But as soon as we got on the plane, I was completely relaxed.
Kitson: I’ve thought already that if I get a job offer with a longer runway, I would go and do something similar again. I like that at surf camp, my day-to-day schedule is planned, and I can switch off about where to go and having to cook or go out to eat. It’s different from a family beach vacation, which lacks this sense of freedom and rest because you’re planning your own schedule and looking after the kids.
Lu: It’s the same for me, since it’s usually me who does all the planning.
Kitson: I’d suggest that anyone in a similar situation maintain their routines back home, but also try to take a short, refreshing break like this while waiting for things to happen on the job front.
Are you based in Asia-Pacific and have a story to share about dealing with layoffs? Please reach out at sgoel@businessinsider.com
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