On Wednesday 21st January 2026, we hosted a Colleagues Unite panel with two of our members, Selina Belgrave and Sarah McClure, who joined us to speak honestly about their experiences of redundancy. Assistants from across the world logged in live, some currently navigating redundancy themselves, others supporting colleagues, and many simply wanting to understand what they might one day face. What connected everyone in the room was the same feeling: this is something people go through quietly, and it doesn’t have to be that way.
Redundancy isn’t just professional, it’s deeply personal. When you lose your role, you don’t just lose your income. You lose your routine, your identity, your sense of security. And for Personal and Executive Assistants, it can feel even heavier. You don’t just work alongside people, you invest in them. You orchestrate the success of businesses behind the scenes. Your role becomes part of who you are, so when it disappears, it can feel like you’ve been rejected as a person, not just as an employee.
Hearing the Words “Your Role Is at Risk”
Selina and Sarah didn’t soften any of this. They spoke about that moment when the words “your role is at risk” are said out loud. Sarah said she knew immediately what it meant. She wanted it over quickly, not because she didn’t care, but because the waiting was exhausting. Weeks of meetings and uncertainty gave her too much time to replay conversations and imagine worst-case scenarios. What helped was deciding not to let her thoughts spiral, choosing instead to focus on what she could control.
Selina had sensed change coming. Leadership structures were shifting and meetings felt different, but what shocked her wasn’t the change itself, it was the speed. Within forty-eight hours of the announcement, she was already being asked for a handover, before her own future had even been discussed. That moment stayed with her because suddenly the role she had built and the relationships she had nurtured were being spoken about differently. When someone asked, “Do we need a third EA?” she realised everything had shifted.
The Emotional Impact No One Prepares You For
When we asked what the hardest part really was, both gave the same answer: the feeling that you’ve failed. Even when you logically understand it’s a business decision, emotionally it doesn’t land that way. You start questioning yourself, wondering if you weren’t good enough or if you missed something. You grieve your routine, your team, your place in the organisation. Selina described it perfectly when she said that one day you’re trusted and relied upon, and the next you feel like an outsider, as if someone has quietly moved your chair without telling you.
Sarah admitted the ugliest emotion she felt was rejection. The kind no one talks about. The kind that makes you feel small and disposable. What helped her was repeating one sentence to herself: “My role is redundant. I am not.” That reminder was important because redundancy doesn’t erase your experience, your talent or your future. Shame creeps in quietly and both women felt it. What helped them push back was talking openly and leaning on their network. Hearing how many capable, successful people had been through the same thing helped them realise it wasn’t personal failure at all. As Selina put it, this was organisational maths, not a performance review.
Turning Redundancy Into Something You Can Manage
One of the biggest shifts for Selina was deciding to treat redundancy like a process rather than something happening to her. She focused on getting clarity because uncertainty fuels fear. She started asking questions about what was changing, what the timeline looked like, what her options were and who was supporting her through it. Having information didn’t fix everything, but it gave her a sense of control. She also reminded everyone of something we often forget: you’re allowed to pause. You don’t have to agree immediately, you don’t have to accept the first thing you’re offered and you don’t have to stay quiet just to keep the peace. You’re allowed to say, “This changes my level and I need it reviewed.” That isn’t being difficult, it’s being professional.
Sarah shared a rule she now lives by: never sign a settlement agreement in the room. Always take it away, get legal advice and fully understand what you’re agreeing to. This is your career and you’re allowed to protect it.
Spotting the Warning Signs
They also spoke about the warning signs they now spot instantly when change is coming.
Communication suddenly becoming vague, stories shifting depending on who you speak to, a lack of transparency, selection criteria that feels blurry. These things matter and they’re often the first signal that something isn’t quite right. This is also where EAs underestimate their own power. You understand the structure of the business, you’ve seen the budgets and you know who is really making decisions. You understand the politics, even when no one says it out loud. Use that knowledge, ask the uncomfortable questions and push for clarity. Consultations aren’t a formality, they’re your right.
When Being “Helpful” Starts Hurting You
One of the most relatable moments came when Selina said what every EA already knows: we are fixers. We smooth things over, calm chaos and quietly carry emotional weight for everyone else. It’s what we’re good at. But when you’re at risk, she said, fixing everything is no longer your job. That landed. Because suddenly your focus shifts. It’s no longer about holding everything together emotionally, it’s about showing up professionally, documenting clearly and thinking about your next step. That responsibility to carry everyone else’s stress doesn’t belong to you anymore. Her advice stayed with so many people: protect your reputation, but not at your own expense. You can still be professional and kind, but you’re also allowed to protect yourself. Those things can exist together.
The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
When everything felt out of control, Selina changed how she saw herself. She stopped feeling part of the emotional story and started viewing herself as a consultant, someone there to deliver a project and nothing more. As she put it, “I’m here to do a job. I’m not part of the emotional narrative anymore.” That shift gave her distance and protected her confidence. Another phrase she kept coming back to was, “This is their crisis to manage. This is my career to protect.” You can still care, you just don’t have to carry it.
Watching Others Lose Their Roles
Something that surprised a lot of people was when both Selina and Sarah said watching others lose their jobs was harder than losing their own. Knowing your colleague is about to get “the call” and not being able to warn them is brutal. And if there’s one thing to take from this, it’s to never say, “At least you’ll have more free time.” It might be well-intentioned, but it hurts. Try instead, “That really sucks. How can I support you?” You don’t need to fix it, just be there.
Finding Your Way Forward
When it came to moving forward, both women were honest. Selina said she needed time to mentally detach, to breathe and reset. But professionally, she became intentional. She wasn’t applying for everything, she wanted alignment and a role where her experience would be valued. Sarah said staying active changed everything for her. Making connections, keeping visible and networking even when it felt awkward. Because your network is your safety net. If you only build relationships inside your company, you disappear when you leave. They also spoke about the skills that protected them long-term, like commercial awareness, financial understanding and really knowing how businesses work. That’s what makes you valuable. Not interchangeable. Not disposable.
If Redundancy Might Be Coming
Their advice if redundancy might be coming was simple: start now. Build your network, learn your rights, process your emotions and think about what you actually want next. Preparation isn’t pessimistic, it’s empowering.
Their Final Words
Sarah shared a quote that stayed with everyone: “Redundancy can take away a role, but it can’t take away your value, your experience or your future.” Selina added, “It’s not you. It’s a business decision.” And the line that sums everything up perfectly: you are the architect of your career. When the building changes, take your tools and build somewhere better. Know your worth, know your contract and don’t be afraid to walk away. There is something better out there and you deserve it.
Watch the Full Conversation
If you’d like to watch the full panel, the recording is available exclusively to The Assistant Room members. Membership gives you access to this replay, live learning events, over forty on-demand sessions, career tools and a global support community.
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Because you don’t have to navigate this alone.