Redundant

Snap

CabbageCat said:

"Best thing that ever happened to me" seems to be a feature of this thread. That makes me feel very sad. Like a kid who gets all excited about the orange in their stocking.

WHy?

FoOr many people, me included, it pushed me to do something I'd been procrastinating about for ages - setting up my own firm. 16 years on, it has worked out very well.

Without the redundancy option, I would have most likely carried on as is.

ESBlonde

@DiscoStu if knocking up things appeals (?) you might find making garden ornaments, planters and furniture from old pallets has little up front cost as a hobby and can create income from front door/garage sales or car boot sales or even the odd select boutique retail emporium. You tube some ideas and check what is selling in your locality (it is seasonal so be ready to think chrimbo first then spring in a couple of months).

mudslide73

3 times for me (IT hardware in the 90s). Each time it freed me up for more suitable things. Very arse clenching at the time but you find out what's important to you and what you need etc. Good luck Stu. 

dano

Best of luck to you.

Happened to me once about 6 years ago, I had 12 years with the company and got a nice payout. I spent 2 months doing up my house before getting a new job,  I had a six month old and 3 yr old at the time so got to have everything some good family time with them.

looking back, it was a great career opportunity getting me out of a stale job with no much opportunity, and it's now propelled me up the career ladder having used it to change jobs a couple of times and move up the ladder.

My advice would be to start working on your cv now, maybe spend 15 mins everyday just giving it an update and tweak. 

TTony

DiscoStu said:

Time to get some other bits back too.

If you've noticed that some bits of the old you are missing, that's the first step taken.  Lots of people never get the opportunity for that realisation because they're too caught up in the day-to-day job & life conflict.  

Jalapeno said:

Reverend said:

I'm currently "at risk of..." and will find out in 2-3 weeks. 
Our company will give the the least it can possibly get away with in terms of pay out. 

Yep.  Same here.

I'm another that will champion the contracting world.

Ive been made redundant twice in my working life.  The first time it took me a long time (about 3 years) to make happen, and although the payoff paid off my mortgage, I do resent the wasted time and sometimes wish that I'd just walked without the payoff.

Then I made the mistake of going back to a job (after a short period of contracting).  Took less time to get paid off (must have been the practice), but that was 13 years ago now, and I can't imagine going back to a job ever again.

Contracting is more secure (as long as you invest time in your network), more rewarding, and keeps you more honest.

@Jalapeno - you must have seen the contractors in your world, and must have the contacts there to start building your own network.  Get on it!

CabbageCat

Snap said:

CabbageCat said:

"Best thing that ever happened to me" seems to be a feature of this thread. That makes me feel very sad. Like a kid who gets all excited about the orange in their stocking.

WHy?

Why? Why is it sad when he best thing that has happened in someone's life being told that they aren't wanted any more? 

Because that is the premise of a dreadful, depressing sitcom, that's why.

TTony

CabbageCat said:

Snap said:

CabbageCat said:

"Best thing that ever happened to me" seems to be a feature of this thread. That makes me feel very sad. Like a kid who gets all excited about the orange in their stocking.

WHy?

Why? Why is it sad when he best thing that has happened in someone's life being told that they aren't wanted any more? 

Because that is the premise of a dreadful, depressing sitcom, that's why.

Ahhhhh ... Reggie Perrin.

Axe_meister

Well out $67bn merger with Dell starts on Wednesday so no doubt there will be lay offs although I think our division will be save given a 40% growth rate year on year.

SquireJapan

Best thing that ever happened to me was being made redundant. 

Took me out of my comfort zone and ended me up taking some risks and ending up in a new career. 

jonnybradford

Hope its all going well Stu,
It looks like I might be in a similar position in a few weeks, so this thread has been helpful.

DiscoStu

Cheers @jonnybradford. I signed the agreement two weeks ago and then had a fortnight's holiday with my girlfriend.
So now the reality is that I'm unemployed and unsure what other work I can do other than starting at the bottom again on minimum wage.
I've always wanted to be a property developer but doubt my redundancy payout would cover that idea!
Applied online for Jobseekers Allowance today and should get an appointment in a couple of days. 
Been decorating my house.
I'm full of the cold.
The joys!

EricTheWeary

Week 4, I think, of post redundancy unemployment here. Signed on for JSA and they've also paid £240 for a training thing ( long story). You need to sign on so your NI payments are maintained. 
Signed on with specialist agencies before I left and it felt like I'd walk into a job for a few months but looking like I was a bit deluded. Applied for a few things but nothing useful come back yet. I'm on the cusp of going for something different than I've ever done but low paid, but I also realise they can be the hardest to get cause, let's face it, almost anyone can do them.
I'd quite like to enjoy the time off but as it goes by the uncertainty is starting to take the edge off not having to go to work.
Weird time.

holnrew

There might not be much need for furniture building near you, but what about selling it online or something? Made to order and whatnot.

DrJazzTap

Best of luck to you.
I think my current workplace is four months away from putting me in the same position. 
I've only been in the job for three years. So i would get next to nothing for a payout. Fingers crossed im out soon. 

Really hope something comes along for you. It'll feel weird getting out of the pattern. But it could be the best thing for you.