As per title.
Quite the mix of emotions I must say. On the one hand I am a gutted to be losing my job and financial independence, on the other hand, my partner is very supportive and we can just about manage on her income so I am quite chilled about it and rather looking forward to getting out of here!
I do consider myself very lucky to be in such a position; some of my colleagues who are also facing the chop are much less fortunate.
I can't help wondering whether I'll be able to get another job considering my age (52), experience and skill set, and what that might mean to me after the thrill of not having to get up early wears off. As I say - strange mix of emotions.
Comments
If you're looking for another job, when was the last time you had an interview? Worth brushing up on that one. And make sure your CV is on the money, too. Free of spelling and grammar howlers! As per usual, there's shedloads of free advice on the web.
Apart from that, good luck, and may the force be with you!
Don't. Planning and saving and fall-backs are not luck. You made the sacrifice to have both partners in work and now you are reaping the benefits.
I imagine most people in the UK are made redundant at least once. Getting oneself into a position where it will cause one massive hardship if it happens is taking a big risk.
The one thing that I thought I might do that didn't really work was look for a job doing something properly different - in some ways it's a lot harder to get a lower skilled/ qualified job as there's so much competition and as a bloke in your fifties with no relevant experience you aren't an obvious choice. Transferable skills are where it's at.
The people I got made redundant with largely treated it as early retirement ( it was a middle management cull basically) whilst quite a few actually got jobs back with the organisation through an agency being paid more per hour than when in the job they left. Don't know how that's worked long term for them. I think I was in the minority in actuality looking for another 'proper' job.
I'm sure you'll be told this but you do get to sign on (apply online once you've left)and you'll get contributions based IS ( about £70 per week)and your NI contributions paid for up to six months. They do offer some support and advice, access to training,etc, as well although you'll at least need to look like you're applying for work.
Hope it all goes well.
Good luck.
My dad is well into his 60's and managed to land on his feet getting a job as a car salesman for Lexus (which he's never done), after being jobless when him and my mum gave up running a hotel after 10 years.
You'll be absolutely fine! All the best sir.
Yes, they aren't exactly over-burdening me with the generosity of their pay-off, but it's enough to get rid of my credit card bill at least
I am definitely looking at the 'early retirement' angle... mind you, there have been several mentions by my future principle breadwinner that I'll have plenty of time to do stuff like gardening, decorating, washing and ironing and other such mythical activities!
Been there twice before, once in 2002 age 35 and in January this year aged 49
Luckily I was offered alternative employment this time around which I took but still went through the 'change curve' and wrestled with feeling quite low for a couple of months afterwards.
It has hardened my view of the rate race corporate bullshit, working to line shareholders pockets, and at 50 I am working harder at getting debt free as I can't do this shite until I'm 67!
Hopefully something great will come along for you. I know of many people who have landed on their feet after redundancy - including me!
Good luck.
Remember, it's easier to criticise than create!
All the best mate.
l lost my job but eventually picked up another....which l really enjoy. It only pays half of what l was earning before (and that was not much) but l cut my cloth to suit...
Half as much money, but Twice as much happier......