Update since my redundancy

snowmaid

I wrote a while back that I had been made redundant. I was pretty shattered by it as I have never been let go from a job before!

I ended up in hospital with high blood pressure brought on due to stress etc. I realised that my job had been making me ill! There had been 3 waves of redundancies since November and I never realised the stress I was under.

Anyway, I took a month's break and stayed at home, which I absolutely loved. I walked my child to school, was there at home when he came home, we did things together in the afternoon etc.

I also watched B&B! :o:rotfl: It was a total luxury to be at home.

I am now temping for 35 hours a week. It takes me 5 minutes to get to work. I am earning a lot less than I was, but you know, I am HAPPY. I am no longer on my blood pressure tablets as my BP is beautiful. I am more energetic and smile more!

I am now applying for a position as a school PA which will mean I only work term time. Yes, a lot less money than being a PA in the City, but, I will be at home during holidays with my youngest and my hours will be 8-4! It will take me 5 min by car to get there! :T

I have learnt that money is really not worth it. That while it is nice to earn a good salary, the sacrifices can add up and cost you more.

I take it that it was a positive I was made redundant.

homeaway

Good for you and i am glad this is working out for you.

pixiesmum

My partner had been made redundant too, and is MUCH happier. We've had no money for 6 weeks, handouts only (great family and friends) and we have taken the simple route. We dont have much, but our kids make our days. There has been times when i could have spontaniously combusted with the stress redundancy has bought, but my partner is happier, im happier and so are the kids. So is it worth it? Yes. No questions.
Glad you have the similar experience - some things are just not worth it!

Frankie1001

I was in the same position a few years ago, I now work as a PA in a High School the job is great, there is never a dull moment in a school and you can be involved with the school as much as you like and I work term time, loads more time with my daughter and who cares if the money isn't great I only care that I am not snapping at my husband and daughter and hardly sleeping due to stress, my family have noticed how more calm I am now. I wish you the best of luck and hope you get the job.

AnxiousMum

Good luck with your application! I agree - term time is wonderful - both husband and myself work term time (I sell to schools, he teaches) and it's fantastic to be able to spend the time with the kids rather than pack them off to daycare so we work. I'd gladly go without the additional income in order to do that with them. So happy to hear that you are healthy and happy - well done you for not ignoring it, dealing with it and getting to where you are at!

ukjoel

Thanks guys - made me smile. Am going in today for a sit down with HR.
Boss phoned me yesterday and was lovely on the phone (which has never happened in 3 years) so am expecting the worst.
I have worked long hours (60+) high pressure jobs for the last 6 years and and like the OP ended up in hospital for a week after collapsing. I guess I knew what the problem was when I forgot to ask the wife for socks but told her to bring the work laptop in so i could finish some reports. (She being far more sensible than me declined).
Often we dont realise how hard we are being worked or the impact it has on our lives. I think back to the guys in the office I worked in 6 years ago and the ones that arrived at 8.30 and left at 5pm and took a lunch hour were considered wasters and slackers. Yet they did their hours and they always seemed to be happier than anyone else.

Its been a tough few weeks but I have made my decision and written my resignation letter and I feel good about it. Lifes too short to be miserable. Friends, Family, pets, health and happiness are whats important.
As long as you got a roof over the head and some food in the belly your ok.

Sky movies I can live without

bendix

ukjoel wrote: »

As long as you got a roof over the head and some food in the belly your ok.

Sky movies I can live without

Nice sentiment, but the roof and the food need to be paid for somehow. How will that happen?

ukjoel

Savings - from the years when I was working like a Dog.
This thread isnt so much about stopping and never working again - its more about a change of direction in life and a different role.

Still earning money to pay for essentials - just reviewed what those essentials are...