I recently found myself navigating a challenging 5-month notice period after my entire team was made redundant due to an acquisition. This was my first experience with layoffs, and I’m currently about halfway through this period. The transition has been tough, especially since the person who is supposed to take over my responsibilities has been on leave, leaving me unable to pass on much of my work. The company morale is dismal, and I’ve been struggling with my own motivation, which has plummeted to an all-time low. It’s disheartening to feel like I’m not performing at the level I once did, especially after years of being a high performer with multiple promotions. I find myself questioning my abilities and whether I can rebuild my career to the heights I previously reached. Despite knowing I should be using this time to apply for new jobs, it’s difficult to stay productive while also trying to support the integration process here. I’m reaching out in hopes of finding some reassurance from others who have faced similar situations.