Does anyone have any advice about being made redundant?

[Leila0420]

Hi all, sorry this is very much unrelated to hamsters (and a bit personal). I was just wondering if anyone on here has ever been made redundant and if anyone has any advice about it?

I've been working for my company for 4 years now and was told that my position was being made redundant a few weeks ago... It was a bit of a shock. I'm a member of a union so I've already been through the consultation period with good support and my company made a nice offer considering the circumstances. I just feel a bit stuck for what to do next.

I was planning on starting an engineering degree with the open university from September but I'm worried that I shouldn't spend my savings/ redundancy money on studying and should focus on finding a new job first but am I just being overly cautious?
I also don't know how wide I should search for a new job. There's a lot of really interesting positions down in the south of England but that would mean a big relocation. I don't know if it's more sensible to focus my search on jobs around where I am now even if that means taking a step back career wise or to look for something further afield that's perhaps a better skill match??

Any advice would be very very appreciated! In general I'd like to hear about any job related stories you have to share. Has anyone ever relocated for work? What was it like? How did your hammies take the move?? (Tbh I'm actually worried about that lol )
Thanks

[Pebbles82]

I'm so sorry to hear that. I've not any experience in this area, and it depends how much redundancy payment you get, but I think my advice would to be get another job. You can do the Open University course any time - even putting it off for a year wouldn't be such a big thing in the long run. But employment security is important and there's an old saying that you need a job to get a job. For some reason employers can see taking time off as a bad thing. Whether you look where you are now or further afield I would just see what there is. What kind of company do you work for at the moment?

[Piebald]

I'd try to look at it as an opportunity to do something different unless it was exactly what you wanted to do. I was made redundant many years ago and went off to university and never looked back.

[Leila0420]

Thanks Serendipity and Piebald I work as a quality technician for a manufacturing company but I joined as a translator so I have fairly varied skills I guess... I think it's the kind of job that I want to do, hence why I was thinking about studying engineering because I really enjoy the technical side of my job.
Yes, I've heard that saying, and from everyone I've spoken to the overall consensus is that there's always a risk from having a gap in your CV. Maybe I should just go for any job (within reason) to try to keep myself in employment and then keep applying for the positions I really want?

[RubyDG]

I think it's going to depend on your personal finances whether or not you get a 'whatever' job to keep you afloat or if you wait for something that will be more suitable long term. I agree with Serendipity about waiting on doing the course. Unfortunate but now is not the time to have an added expense plus trying to study AND find work is very stressful. I think you need to get yourself settled first.

As for redundancy I've been there. I got made redundant 3 months before my wedding . This was after my husband had been made redundant himself and had been looking for work for months. My salary had been just enough for us to scrape by and without it we were beyond broke. It sucks, no matter that it has absolutely nothing to do with you it's still being told that you are not needed/wanted/important enough to keep around. But change isn't always a bad thing. Try to look at it as an opportunity to take a step forward - relocate, get a better job whatever it is you decide you want to do. I have moved for work myself and while it's not easy I personally found it very worthwhile. I moved from London to Scotland and I was able to get a better job than I would have in London plus the cost of living is much cheaper here. I'd say go for it, you will certainly stand a much better chance getting another or even better job if you are willing to relocate.

[Piebald]

I wouldn't hesitate to relocate if that is where the jobs you want are. CV gaps can be explained-- I think a lot of people will have them as a result of the last few years of recession so you will not be alone. I also don't think it's a problem any longer if you have something to fill the gap with like relocating and course work. It's not like it used to be where any gap was suspicious; I think the path to employment is not as straight forward as it used to be. If you are interested in an area and can improve your chances of future advancement with some training or qualification now I would do it. I have done crappy night jobs for which I was overqualified and underpaid to put myself through day schooling. That's ok if you know what you want and have a plan.

[Wexland]

I was made redundant a few years ago and it ended up being the best thing that could have happened. It all depends on what jobs are around in your area.

[Pebbles82]

I would go for any job "within reason". If you want to stay in the same area then maybe go to an employment agency and register and tell them what things you would consider and what things would be a no no (eg you don't just want to end up working in a call centre). They are very good at finding jobs you don't always see advertised. If you would rather go for the ideal job and are willing to relocate, then look further afield. You could do both. I agree with Ruby that starting a new course and a new job, or job hunting, would be too much in one go.

I agree that a career break or a gap in the cv isn't always such a bad thing - but you don't want to end up with a permanent gap! A planned career break with something lined up is better than an open-ended one.

I started an Open University degree in the past and managed to work part time at the some time - some people worked full-time at the same time, but found it tough and had to get up 2 hours early every day to study - so you would need stability before doing something like that. I did 2 years of the Open University and then went full time to University - the 2 years OU gave me the entry requirements. I wouldn't do it now as there are no grants for going full-time. There are certain companies and jobs though, who will fund you doing part-time studies.

[velma]

Not related to redundancy as such but with your OU course, it may be worth holding off if you can. (If possible keep a chunk of the money set by so it's still there down the line if you need it) My brother worked in an engineering role (after side stepping from his previous role) & after a while they sent him day release to do a degree. So he had the experience, the degree & no debt. It may be worth applying for the companies you're interested in & seeing what sort of training programmes they offer. If nothing comes of it, you still have the money set by to do an OU course. I know a couple of people who have done degrees alongside full time work. It's tough but it can be done. Good luck!

[Leila0420]

Originally Posted by RubyDG

As for redundancy I've been there. I got made redundant 3 months before my wedding . This was after my husband had been made redundant himself and had been looking for work for months.

Ruby that must have been horrible!! You must have been due a lot of good luck after going through all of that! Once of the places I would happily relocate to is Scotland actually, I have family up there and many many good memories of going to visit my late grandfather way up North