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Been talking with a number of people recently that have just been, are facing, or have the possiblity of being made redundant.
Well some people on these forums may remember that almost 2 years ago to the day I found out that I was going to be made redundant.
I was well and truly devastated even though at the time I was already looking for another job and considering options for my future nothing but prepares you for that absolute kick in the teeth that the actual happening gives you.
Anyway I wanted to post a message of hope for the future and a belated thank you to a lot of people on here that helped me through a very difficult time.
In the end it took me nearly 5 months to find work again, because mainly no one wanted someone that was out of work., or despite eight years of experience in a specific product to give someone their first contract.
At the time I got that first contract I was on the verge of needing to think about putting my house on the market as the money had completely run out. Very few knew this!
So what I am saying is hang in there. There are lots of people that will help you and sometimes these come from the most unexpected quarters of your life. Look on it as a chance to start over. Don't panic and remember that you are not worthless. One person deciding that you are the one to be let go is not a valid judgement on your career, current or future.
I was lucky and also got some redundancy counselling - this I can thoroughly recommend, even though previously I was a sceptic that simply rewording a CV could have such a dramatic effect on the response from potential employers.
I posted in the forums looking for advice on a number of topics at the time, and it was a member here that choose my company name - thanks John.
So if this is happening to you now - don't stare at the screen and wonder what to do next, get on here and ask - no one is going to laugh, or judge you, but many will be willing to help and in the most surprising ways.
That is my positive message for 2009.
Thanks
Cheryl
Well put indeed. In 2006, the day after my husband got his redundancy notice, I found myself at risk of redundancy and that lasted for about three months. It was horrible. I did survive the cuts, but only because lots of staff were able to jump ship and find other work.
These are difficult times for many and I for one, am trying to keep my custom with local businesses rather than always shop online.
Few jobs are really secure these days, so it's a case of saving for a rainy day as best as you can so you can ride the storm. We are paying the price for the 'buy now, pay later' culture. It is going to hurt.
Jo
Nicely done Cheryl. Tuff times are around the corner for a lot of people. I myself know 8 people who are facing the dreaded R word:-
2 in banking(Not traders),
1 in IT
1 a airline pilot
1 a salesman
1 a secretary
1 a printer
1 a works manager(Building)
Just shows the breadth of trades affected.
jk
Cheers Cheryl
Good to read as it's not all doom and gloom out there.
We found out only this month that my wife is being made redundant in June 2009, in one aspect it's a good thing as she has been thinking of a change of career for some time now, so this has made the decision to start afresh, with a fair amount of time to start looking.
Everyone I speak to lately has worries about their job so things like new cars, kitchens etc are all on hold. I'm just thankful that I'm in an area that's pretty safe in times like these.
Stu
Quote: Well some people on these forums may remember that almost 2 years ago to the day I found out that I was going to be made redundant.
Whilst I totally agree with, and support, the upbeat note you have sounded, Cheryl, there is a big difference between now and 2 years ago, i.e. a major financial crisis - maybe the worst for 75-80 years has come upon us and globally within that time.
We have to be realistic: a lot of people who lose their jobs are going to have to be prepared to wait a long time - and try MUCH harder - to get whatever is going... which may not be much.
Flexibility is the key. Those who are prepared to move outside their comfort zones - perhaps with retraining - may find they are better placed than those who are looking for a job which is an exact replacement for the one they have lost.
CB whilst I may understand your point, Cheryl's point is still valid. And I think she indicates you need to look out for advice, do not be afraid of it, and be open to doing things differently.
The irony is that while people are hanging onto their money wondering whether to buy that new Tv, car etc, they are helping to make the recession deeper.
Quote: t while people are hanging onto their money wondering whether to buy that new Tv, car etc, they are helping to make the recession deeper.
are you talking real money or credit availability? I'm not so sure I know that many people with such expendable income to go and buy that car, TV etc. Athough, I am pretty confident I know some folk who would sell their grandma for a D3 
.
Some people in our economy had become used to borrowing money to fund purchases. Its a fact covering items from Tv's cars to houses. What is needed is a gentle transition. The bang suddenly I will not buy unless I having savings is difficult and triggers a recession.
And what is acceptable borrowing and what is not? Are mortgages OK or is that too much debt, it is a subtle and complex issue.
For example a young couple with a £130k mortgage, is that worse or better than and older couple with a £60k mortgage and a £10k car loan.?
I appreciate that CB, however, my main message was to look for help everywhere because in the end that chance or key piece of info may come from the most unexpected place, even in this very forum.
With the career path I have chosen I face the dilemma of a new job every 1 - 3 months, so I do realise it is tough out there at the moment. I half expect to only work 6 months of this year! Not through choice but through firms making cutbacks in software/IT.
I'm just saying don't think the only thing you can do is what you have done in the past. People on here pointed me at websites and publications that helped me reassess what I had to offer and to turn around the negativity of redundancy into a new career.
I also realise some people have more to lose than just their home.
My son has just be made redundant hes 29 years old, He was told on the 20th Jan his job was at risk & on the 23rd he was redundant , Hes a trained cnc machinist done this work from 17 years old . hes thinking about retraining.
Theres going to be an awful lot of people going for what few jobs are available.
Its really bad.
Sue
What a great and positive message Cheryl. I'm glad you've survived and that you've come through to the other end with a lot of good advice and help for other people - it must feel so incredibly isolating to go through something like that.
Surviving it also makes you compassionate towards other people struggling, and it can only be a good thing that people open up and ask for help. I'm a great believer in that, although it's something I had to learn.
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