Michael Edwards

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The Redundancy Pivot: Processing Change & Looking Forward

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Publication Date: 15 June 2026
Author: Michael Edwards

Executive Summary

At the end of May 2026, after delivering shared WordPress publishing features, custom Gutenberg blocks, and AI editorial tool prototypes across flagship brands like CAR, MCN, and Parkers at Bauer Media Group, I faced redundancy alongside talented colleagues due to corporate restructuring.

Facing redundancy 13 years into a software engineering career is a powerful moment for reflection. This post provides an candid look at processing sudden industry change, auditing senior skills, and mapping the path forward.

Key Takeaways from the Pivot

  1. Separating Career Identity from a Single Role: A 13-year track record built across high-traffic platforms (Metro.co.uk), global hotel brands (Mondrian, Delano), and custom enterprise platforms is permanent—a corporate restructuring is temporary.
  2. Auditing the Senior Skill Set: Evaluating core capabilities against the 2026 market—modern PHP, React/Next.js, Gutenberg block development, headless architecture, CI/CD automation, and AI workflow integration.
  3. Reframing Uncertainty as Opportunity: Utilizing transition periods to refresh technical certifications (such as WordPress VIP AI Developer Tools certification) and sharpen core engineering deliverables.

Looking Ahead

Redundancy is an unexpected chapter, but it reinforces the value of adaptability, deep domain expertise, and resilient professional relationships.