[Archived] Losing Your Job

[Iceman]

so me and 6 of my colleagues, have until September to find a new job or be retrenched. Has anybody encountered a similar situation, and what was the experience like. Im not in the best of space right now, and not sure what will happen. Any advice will be appreciated

thanks

isgak

[broadsword]

I've been binned a couple of times.

Stop feeling sorry for yourself and get searching. I've been unemployed for four and a half months - it's tough out there right now.

[Dunnfc]

I got made redundant straight away one friday ... total shock, been unemploed a month.

Got a bar job and now lining up my contacts for another interview friday.

[Billy Castell]

1. Don't be fussy about any future employment.

2. Don't expect the Job Centre and the people who are supposed to find you a job be any help at all.

3. Sign up for loads of agencies, no matter how small and local they may be.

4. Keep a whole load of CVs, with different personal statements tailored for each job.

[Glenn]

Being made redundant after 13 years at the same company was the best thing that ever happened to me. After a few months moping around looking for work, I decided I had nothing to lose by going self employed, I did and I'm loving every minute of it, I just wish I'd have had the balls to do it a decade ago when I first fancied it.

It was a huge cloud, that very much had a silver lining.

[dave birch]

Being made redundant after 13 years at the same company was the best thing that ever happened to me. After a few months moping around looking for work, I decided I had nothing to lose by going self employed, I did and I'm loving every minute of it, I just wish I'd have had the balls to do it a decade ago when I first fancied it.

It was a huge cloud, that very much had a silver lining.

Pretty well sums up my circumstances at the time.

I can remember feeling, shortly after starting my own business, a great feeling of relief, knowing that things were not going to as bad as I originally thought.

Like Glenn, it's something I should have done years earlier.

[AndyNeil]

I have to echo what Glenn says, although I'm glad I waited before flying solo as it gave me the range of experiences required and was also a more rounded individual than I was when I first thought of the idea ... if you have a skill why not trying setting up in business?

[Baz]

My advice is to get your CV up to date (remember to tailor it to each job advert), register for as many recruitment agencies as you can, sign up for job alerts. Finally apply for as many as you can that you meet the most basic requirements for - you will be amazed at how easy it is to think that you dont think you have the skills on the advert, but yet can do the job easily.

I took my current role just over 12 months ago, following a speculative application where I met only part of the requirements. However, my employer really only wanted the parts I didnt have as a would like to have, and was far more concerned with getting the right person.

Do remember that recruitment agencies act on behalf of the employers and not yours, so be prepared for them to drop all interest in you if you dont match anything they are looking to fill. Its more or less a numbers game, until you actually get an interview.

[incy wincy little spider]

When I left uni I got screwed over due to the recession, so volunteering and building up contacts helped.

Good luck and hope it works out. I emigrated in the end!

[Iceman]

cheers guys. Ive already started applying, didnt get a response yet but ive taken the initial steps. I would like to start my own business, but i unfortunately do not have the money. I know its a risk you take, but i have a wife and kid to take care of.

[dave birch]

cheers guys. Ive already started applying, didnt get a response yet but ive taken the initial steps. I would like to start my own business, but i unfortunately do not have the money. I know its a risk you take, but i have a wife and kid to take care of.

Iceman, whilst you're looking, try and pick up bits of private work in your field of expertise. It shouldn't cost anything (if you own tools etc), you'll be paid in cash (most likely) and you'll be building up a reputation and a customer base for when you do make that final leap.

[berkshireblue]

Iceman

If you secure an interview for a job you really want, offer to do a week unpaid as a trial

It will swing it in your favour if they are undecided

Also draw up a list of potential employers, and personally hand deliver CV and letter, in doing so ask at reception if they have 2 minutes to do so

Network and approach as many friends and people as you know, they may know someone

Good luck

[AndyNeil]

Without wishing to sound 'funny' there are millions of web developers out there offering their services, so if you did decide to go it alone your USP would have to be good to stand out from the crowd. If you want to dip your toe in without giving up your day job, why not start out by doing evening/weekend work for clients and build up a portfolio that way?

I know very few (if any) people who have known they will be 100% booked up before they make the jump - it just doesn't work like that I'm afraid.

In my experience, and with clients that I have is to keep your PAYE job do evening/weekend work (as a self employed person) and network, network, network building up a good and useful contact list and portfolio of work.

The best of luck, whatever you decide to do - if you need any further advice feel free to PM me