Redundancy

petethesteam

How many of you on here have been made redundant in the last 6 month, and how have you coped, and what impact has it had on your life?

kissjenn

I was made redundant 9 months ago. Thought I'd walk into another job - didn't happen. Very few jobs in my sector, literally hundreds of applicants for each. So registered with agencies, brought all my professional qualifications up to date and made calls and send emails by the dozen, most of which were completely ignored.

So very down emotionally...and felt physically tired!

Had enough from pay off to begin small start-up...so did that. Also signed up for an OU degree I'd never had time to do before and trained as a CAB advisor.

On the money front I claimed WTC and CTC which I've never been entitled to before in case the money front was none existent all year. These will need to be paid back now but I after speaking to HMRC they explained it was better to claim and repay than not claim and not be able to get the money retrospectively (if that makes sense). Did a complete financial makeover, cleared up my direct debits, changed power supplier and insurers thru Quidco etc. Spent wisely and no big blow out on the redundancy cash - one of my friends bought a sports car!

Good days and bad days...became very aware of how much of "me" was based on my job description. Missed the buzz and the stress, missed meeting lots of people and being tired at the end of the day. CAB helped fill some of the people gap, OU helped with the intellectual challenge and the business kept my management skills ticking over.

Now after 9 months I have now found a role I really want and start tomorrow.

So I would say to

• try and keep the faith,
• don't be downheartened when you seem to be ignored for jobs you can do standing on your head,
• don't be too proud to find out what's available to help you through this time and
• do use the time to try and achieve or enjoy something you can't usually do when working 9 to 5.

Best of luck,

KJ

j.baker

I was made redundant in June. I was very lucky, as I managed to get a job with the company that I used to work for working for the company that made me redundant.....if that makes sense to anyone

The only downside was an effective 50% paycut....but its a job and it help to pay the bills.