Two weeks ago I, along with six others, was made redundant from the multi-disciplinary company where I worked. While it wasn’t that much of a shock given that the company had cut 33% of it’s staff since June last year, I didn’t think it was going to happen to me.
Unfortunately it is a not good time to be looking for work in my specific industry, has it has been badly affected by the downturn in the construction and architectural trade. There is nothing going in Sydney or Melbourne, but as construction in Queensland is still ticking over there are a few positions open that I am hoping to interview for in the next couple of weeks.
It’s at times like this that you realise the dangers of going down such a specialised career path. As the redundancy payout has whittled down, I have begun looking for work outside my industry to basically pay the rent and put food on the table.
My ego has taken a few dents in it as I have found how untranslatable my skill set is and how I’m only good for things like delivery driver or office shitkicking. I couldn’t even get an interview for an assistant manager position at McDonalds!
I am confident that things will turn around in the next 6 months as recent changes by the NSW State Government have led to solid November and December new home sales. But in the meantime, I am meeting with a pamphlet delivery company tomorrow (fucking hell, what am I 15 again?) and am seriously contemplating moving in with my mother so that I can keep making my mortgage payments.
You know, even though my position is a little perilous right now, I am actually glad I was let go. I wasn’t happy where I was (the only thing I miss about the place was the friendship I had with the guy who shared my pod) and I was already sniffing around to see what else was out there.
The potential of moving interstate for my next position is quite exciting, and I doubt I would have considered this if I wasn’t let go. And my boss is an insecure micro-managing cunt who was doing my career development no favours at all.
So all in all, things are quite good, besides the whole moving back in with mum thing. Maybe I should just sell the house instead?
Good luck with everything. Don't sell the house if you can help it! It would be better to move in with your mum or get someone to share and pay you rent with you if possible.
I think the advice here sounds pretty smart. Move in with your mum and rent out your house, and then keep looking for a job. Interstate sounds like a great idea if you can get a job in your industry there. The only other person in your industry that I personally know ended up moving to the UK, and then to Denmark.
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It sucks doesn't it. I was retrenched during the first .com crash but it really did lead to bigger and better things, as I hope it does for you.
I would hold on to your house if possible, maybe even rent it out while living with relatives or a smaller place yourself if you can.
Good luck mate.
Good luck with everything. Don't sell the house if you can help it! It would be better to move in with your mum or get someone to share and pay you rent with you if possible.
I think the advice here sounds pretty smart. Move in with your mum and rent out your house, and then keep looking for a job. Interstate sounds like a great idea if you can get a job in your industry there. The only other person in your industry that I personally know ended up moving to the UK, and then to Denmark.
Good luck!
You could teach 'positive thinking' classes!
I've known a few in your situation and all they do is rot.
Your positivity is admirable.
And I agree with the others - Don't sell the house. Better to stack shelves than sell the house.
Bugger. This is why I'm hiding out in the public circus for the time being till this storm blows over.
I thought you were already renting out your house. Do you have residual payments to make over the rental income?
Perhaps change your house loan to interest-only for a period of time till you get a job again. Rent should cover the interest payments.
Luckily, I work for myself. On the negative side, I have no work. If I make myself redundant can I take me to the union?
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