You can only dodge a bullet for so long.....

It had to happen. Over the last few years me and my team have been in the firing line for redundancy. It's been stressful and moral has been at an all time low for a while. At the beginning of August one of my team was made redundant and we thought that was the end of it. Last Thursday I was told that at the end of October I would also be leaving the company.

I've worked for here (actually 4 different companies due to buy-outs) since 1999 and now I'm off. I'm not too proud to say that I'm bricking it. I've got loads of friends in work trying to help me out and everyone says that I'll be OK, but I know how hard it is out there at the moment and I've got the obvious worries that come with that knowledge.

Poop.

I'm interested as to how any of you lot that have been in a similar situation have coped. How did you get on afterwards? How was the job market?

Just so that you have some idea of what I do: I'm an SC cleared 'technical consultant' (I know - horrible term that means nothing). I can't go into more detail than that for obvious reasons (if you know what SC clearance is). I have a broad IT knowledge - both server and client side.

Mrs Stu is quite happy with this as she's been pushing for me to leave the company for ages - she said that I am stuck in a rut (true) underpaid (true) and under-utilised (also true). I've been really lazy and not pulled my finger out. She's right, and I know that, so I hope that this will be the start of something bigger and better for me. I'm thinking about contracting.

OK, that's it. I'm not looking for sympathy, I'm just curious about your experiences. I'd love to hear if any of you are IT contractors and how you got started.

Thanks in advance guys.

 

Terrible news Stu, unfortunately this is getting more common now in the times we live in.

As a positive I would take from it, you been with the same company, albeit its buy-outs since 1999 and in the eyes of a employer it shows commitment.

I don't know if this is possible but I'm presuming you will have a client base.

Have you the option to maybe work for yourself approach these clients and offer a more personal service ?

 

@Andy - I work for a massive multinational IT company and we have contracts with massive multinational companies. The contract that my team have been working on is for an aerospace giant, and that's all we do (we have an office on the site of the customer). As such I can't take the customer with me. Nice thought though
I'm actually putting the feelers out to see if I can get a contract job with the customer as they a) know me b) know I already have clearance. It'd be lovely for me to take the redundancy money and then come back as a contractor. That'd be two fingers up to my current management.

 

Since you explained that it puts your post in a completely different light.

You must of been laughing, fancy me saying just pinch a few customers and go on your own.

Well I wish you the best of luck on what direction you choose .

 

First port of call for any one approaching redundancy is get an up to date professional CV done and email it to all the Agencies and Recruitment Firms.

You'd be surprised how many jobs are out there for Peeps not on the 'bottom rung' so to speak.

 

Been made redundant twice mate, once at the death of the Kent coal mining industry which we could all see coming so was prepared and managed to look for re-employment. Second time was a shock and I stayed unemployed for five and a half years. It was easier back then but you will survive, use your redundancy wisely and network your arse off. Good luck mate.

 

its as hard out there as you want to make it.
if you are prepared to do anything and I mean anything there
is plenty of work out there to tie you over until you get the job
you want.I was a spark for seven years then done aerospace engineering
for near ten then a year an a half ago I was dropped like a lead balloon,
I was shaking and felt physically sick when they said thats it bye bye.
I went to the job market looking for the same work with no joy so then
after a month I said feck it I will do anything, I got a job as a domestic
in a NHS childrens home and mental health hospital.It was near double the
hours and half the wages of my last job so I had to tighten the belt (no more duke belt services)
and learn to live on my new income.But it takes the pressure off you looking
for the job you want and pays the bills.I'm happy now because I answered
an internal trawl advert and passed the interviews and I am now starting work
in our main hospital as a maintenance engineer on the heating and lighting systems.
so basically im saying it always works out in the end if you keep a positive attitude.

 

Thanks for the positive words guys. The CV was updated on the same day I was told about the redundancy and I've already sent it out to a few colleagues who have connections themselves. The next thing to do is, as you said Sinewave, is to send it out to agencies.

Now to keep smiling and get on with some work. I've still got a handful of projects to finish as a glut of them have just come in. Ironic really.

 

Sorry to hear that. SC should help you out a lot, but be aware that it does lapse. IIRC the moment you leave the job you lose the rating so try and get something whilst you are still on the books. Don't panic if it does lapse though as a new employer should be able to get you re-vetted PDQ.

 

I feel for you mate.
I was made redundant at the beginning of April, I've been in Banking for the last 15 years, not one of the mega paid Bankers we all hear about, I hasten to add.
And the honest answer is, it's been the hardest 5 months I can remember.
I got a reasonable pay out, but it soon goes when you have child maintenance and a mortgage to pay.
Think I've applied for over 100 jobs, in the end had to sign on and move to Wales and live with my folks!
But, I know I'm good at my job and I will get another one and you have to tell yourself that aswell.
Just got to keep applying, it will happen, just no magic cure unfortunately.
As mentioned, use all your contacts and networks and don't get disheartened, it's tough, but keep at it.
Good luck mate and I wish you all the best.

 

hey stu - dont eat yourself up - your going to be ok

im a commercial pilot by trade, not only did i loose my career, i also lost my marriage & home in the same year - i wanted to die - i didnt, i survived.

 

Dont panic Stu, thats the first thing, don't jump at the first job along either unless its gilt edged. Watch out for people who want your money with promises of riches.

Same happened to me after 23 years in a company in late 2009, I had stayed there too long, went and did my own thing for a couple of years, contracted, set up a company, now back into the same industry and enjoying it.

Its a jolt, but its a big world out there, does not always guarantee a job or fairness, but sometimes a bit of fate and and bit of luck and a break comes along...good luck buddy.

 

Stu I've been there too mate and know how you feel.The next few weeks will be hard on you but try and see it as a step back to a major step forward.Do you need a break? A holiday will do you and the family good.Look for work in your field and yes try and get in with your customers.You could be saving them an absolute fortune plus you could command more money working for them or be a contractor to them.
Best of luck mate

 

Sorry to drag up a really old thread, but I wanted to share the good news with my Forum buddies. After being a 'man of leisure' for a month (i.e. sitting at home applying for jobs and watching a bit of telly) my fortunes have changed....

I'm WORKING (well, obviously not now - shhh, don't tell the boss ).

I started contracting last Tuesday, so it's only 3 months, but it's a start. The best bit is that it is with a competitor to my old employer on the same account !!!.

I'm not allowed to wear a T-shirt with 'F U ** - (** = old emplyee).

So, that's it. I'd better get back to looking busy.

 

Good to hear matey......fingers crossed that 3 months turns into many more

 

Up the workers... Power to the people, and all that. Great News.
Mike.

 

Good news fella! Hope you get something permanent out of it

 

If it's a contract that ur old employer had, did TUPE not apply in the contract transfer?