sure you get there  Make sure that you have tangible objectives, which are broken down so they are achievable  Maintain your networks: many industries are made up of very small circles of people and a recommendation can go a long way in helping you to secure a position Going it alone People who have been made redundant often think the time is finally right for them to launch their own business, go freelance, or buy up a franchise. It can be a good time, but only after you have done some deep thinking and planning, and remain realistic, argue the experts. Just because you have the money doesn't make it the right time. It's about the wider business landscape and attracting the customers you need to survive. "You might need to spend as much time in a sales role, getting the business in, as you do delivering it," argues Mills, who says 11% of her clients become self-employed after a redundancy. Dunnett says you need to be aware that any contracts you bring in will usually be finite, and it can be a shock when they come to an end. "But if conditions are tough, it's likely that there will be more contract roles around as companies reduce their permanent headcounts," he says. Action points  Research is everything, as there are endless questions to ask yourself. How much will it cost to set up on my own? Who will get the business in? Can I attract business