I Lost My Job After 20 Years — Here’s What Happened Next

After working at the same company for over 20 years, I thought I’d seen it all. I started my design career at Foxtel, re-skinning interfaces on set-top boxes, slowly moving into interactive features, then leading design across major national products like the iQ4, iQ5, and Foxtel Go. I helped shape how Australians experience TV.

It wasn’t always glamorous, but it was steady, meaningful work. I never imagined I’d leave — and I certainly didn’t expect to be pushed.

But that’s exactly what happened.

The Monday That Changed Everything

One Monday morning, I showed up to work like always. By mid-morning, I was called into a room and handed my redundancy notice — along with the entire product team. We were part of a strategic restructure. Just like that, it was over.

At first, I stayed calm. I thought, "I've got experience. I’ll bounce back quickly." But I hadn’t realised how institutionalised I’d become.

My resume was barely three lines long. I didn’t have a portfolio or a LinkedIn presence. I’d been so focused on delivering value inside one company, I’d never needed to sell myself to the outside world.

The Silent Struggle

The job hunt started okay. A few early interviews gave me confidence — I figured I’d be back in work within three months.

But three months turned into six. Then eight. Then almost a year.

I kept busy — cleaning, walking the dog, doing laundry — trying to stay useful. But the long walks became the hardest part. I’d spend hours outside, caught in loops of self-doubt. I felt lost, and at times, deeply depressed. It was the hardest stretch of my professional life. Luckily I managed to secure some contract work to give me a bit of cash but more importantly help me feel useful.

Then, It Shifted

Eventually, I started interviewing with a major Australian bank. The process took three full months, and every step required patience, persistence, and preparation.

But I made it. I’m now a Senior UX Designer in a team where the culture and opportunities are better than I ever imagined. I’m designing again. Contributing. Feeling like myself again.

To Anyone Going Through It

If you’re in that space — unsure of what’s next, wondering if your experience still matters — I see you.

Here’s what helped me:

  • Control the controllables — your mindset, your effort, your daily habits.

  • Keep showing up — even when it feels like nothing’s moving.

  • Enjoy the little things — a coffee, a walk, a small win.

You’re not alone. And it can turn around — even after 20 years, even after a total reset.

Hang in there. You’ve got more to offer than you realise.

With more than 20 years of hands-on project experience, Derek has developed into a highly skilled UX professional.

To explore his project case studies or learn more about his work, visit his portfolio at derekcarruthers.net