So it happened.........what next

[mg123]

Hi guys, I've been delivered a somewhat expected letter on Tuesday of this week, "without prejudice......" Long story short, I'm out of a job.
I've been in the same industry for almost 20 years, a warehouse managerial role. Worked up several steps on the ladder to a senior manager position. Pay is good, but cuts had to be made.
I've never given any formal qualifications (except IOSH) in the years I've been in the role unfortunately.
I am highly experienced in all aspects of warehousing, supply chain, the whole retail end to end. As well as a lot system development knowledge, and of course, all the people related managerial tasks (recruitment, investigations, H&S with IOSH certificate).
My main aim is all about getting the best out of the team, engagement, basically doing right by the team and bringing people together to achieve results.

My conundrum is now, what do I do with my life. I'll be 42 this year, as mentioned, no real qualifications.
I'd like to avoid being in this particular industry, I'm ok with the consequential pay cut of "starting again".
My preference is a more hands on role as I dislike sitting around for many hours.
I can do most things to an acceptable (by my) standard, I really enjoy working with people (less so the general public). I also enjoy working with numbers, and problem solving in general.
I'm all about the team game, I don't tread on toes to get ahead (much to my detriment at times), however, my integrity is at the heart of what I do. I'll travel for jobs, and I'm highly dedicated.
Ok, it sounds a bit like I'm talking to an interviewer here so please accept my apologies. I'm just sounding off at the moment to help clear my head a little.

My current headspace is not great right now. The feelings of dejection, rejection, discard etc are all very present and real right now.
The stress factor of cash flow also exists. Fortunately. I've always been quite good with my money, I track income and expenditure so I know my position. However, I've already cut out the majority of unnecessary expenses. Netflix, Sky, Disney etc. I don't smoke, very rarely drink. I even cancelled my TV license a couple of weeks back. I always advocated for the BBC (please don't hate me) as the service at one time was amazing, but I no longer make use of it and thought it was finally time to stop paying for a service I've not used for months, and won't use again.
But of course, the large reduction in income is certainly going to be something that requires lots of adjustment and I need to face into it.

So why am I posting, I'm looking for some worldly advice from the guys who have the experience to perhaps point me in the right direction for next roles (anything considered)
Also, any advice to help keep my head in the right place is appreciated.
I'm currently standing on the edge of a very deep hole, and I can feel the ground beneath me making way.
I want to avoid falling in, but I have really struggled with some issues in the past

TLDR: lost my job, what do I do now

 

[Noel]

Sorry to hear about your situation. What about self employment? Consulting, some type of management advising or turn a hobby or interest into a job etc?
There might be various courses locally that might help or small grants available.
There’s always something out there that people might need - handyman, gardener etc.
I’ve lost (sacked mostly lol) a few jobs in my younger years, always felt it was an opportunity to do something different or better.
Perhaps find something to tie you over, part time or otherwise, you might find a non management/manual position ok.
Hope things work out for you.

 

[Cabinetman]

Firstly very sorry to hear, presumably you will be getting some compensation which will cover you whilst you find something? It sounds as if you are single? If so that’s good as you haven’t got that worry.
This isn’t your fault. Simple as that, and you should remember it
New job, well this could be seen as an opportunity to retrain, there may be help available to pay for it? You’re obviously bright and willing, empathetic even? As they say "the worlds your lobster"?

 

[Jameshow]

Hi guys, I've been delivered a somewhat expected letter on Tuesday of this week, "without prejudice......" Long story short, I'm out of a job.
I've been in the same industry for almost 20 years, a warehouse managerial role. Worked up several steps on the ladder to a senior manager position. Pay is good, but cuts had to be made.
I've never given any formal qualifications (except IOSH) in the years I've been in the role unfortunately.
I am highly experienced in all aspects of warehousing, supply chain, the whole retail end to end. As well as a lot system development knowledge, and of course, all the people related managerial tasks (recruitment, investigations, H&S with IOSH certificate).
My main aim is all about getting the best out of the team, engagement, basically doing right by the team and bringing people together to achieve results.

My conundrum is now, what do I do with my life. I'll be 42 this year, as mentioned, no real qualifications.
I'd like to avoid being in this particular industry, I'm ok with the consequential pay cut of "starting again".
My preference is a more hands on role as I dislike sitting around for many hours.
I can do most things to an acceptable (by my) standard, I really enjoy working with people (less so the general public). I also enjoy working with numbers, and problem solving in general.
I'm all about the team game, I don't tread on toes to get ahead (much to my detriment at times), however, my integrity is at the heart of what I do. I'll travel for jobs, and I'm highly dedicated.
Ok, it sounds a bit like I'm talking to an interviewer here so please accept my apologies. I'm just sounding off at the moment to help clear my head a little.

My current headspace is not great right now. The feelings of dejection, rejection, discard etc are all very present and real right now.
The stress factor of cash flow also exists. Fortunately. I've always been quite good with my money, I track income and expenditure so I know my position. However, I've already cut out the majority of unnecessary expenses. Netflix, Sky, Disney etc. I don't smoke, very rarely drink. I even cancelled my TV license a couple of weeks back. I always advocated for the BBC (please don't hate me) as the service at one time was amazing, but I no longer make use of it and thought it was finally time to stop paying for a service I've not used for months, and won't use again.
But of course, the large reduction in income is certainly going to be something that requires lots of adjustment and I need to face into it.

So why am I posting, I'm looking for some worldly advice from the guys who have the experience to perhaps point me in the right direction for next roles (anything considered)
Also, any advice to help keep my head in the right place is appreciated.
I'm currently standing on the edge of a very deep hole, and I can feel the ground beneath me making way.
I want to avoid falling in, but I have really struggled with some issues in the past

TLDR: lost my job, what do I do now

Have you put yourself on linkin / indeed etc.

With your experience I'm sure a company / recruitment firm would snap you up?

Worth a try?

If not think about that other areas you might like to work in? Construction, engineering, project management?

All things that are allied tbh. Just need a foot in the door?

I'm in a potentially similar situation but with a divorce thrown in too.

 

[MikeJhn]

Worth applying to all of the courier/distribution outlet that abound today, don't forget the more obscure ones like Tesco, Royal Mail etc, good luck.

 

[Sideways]

I took VR when the FTSE100 where I'd worked for 17 years in professional roles went belly up. It's the best thing that ever happened to me at work. I landed a job that suited me better after a while and another 10 year career ensued.
Taking control and the initiative is better than trying to survive in an organisation that is cost cutting and shedding it's most expensive, because they are most experienced, staff.

 

[Spectric]

Looking at the UK we are a nation of warehouses and logistics as we are more consumers than manufacturers so I would have thought getting another job in the same line would not be difficult and I also think age can be on your side as the older folk are seen as more reliable and not work shy. Also Crewe looks to be in a busy area.

 

[Agent_zed]

I got made redundant from my job about 5 years ago now. I was there for over 10years and had been instrumental in getting the place to where it was, we'd grown from the 12 people when I started to over 75.

There was a new CEO who I have no nice words to say about who made loads of dumb decisions. I took 6months shared parental leave and when I returned I found like a lot of women that my role had been basically taken off me (probably why only 1% of men take Shared leave). It was a horrid toxic environment and I only held on as I knew redundancy was on the cards. After being made redundant and getting a nice payout, I also took them to tribunal, court woudl have been around covid time so didn't relish the idea of 4 days in birminham courts whilst trying to sort childcare during a pandemic so ended up settling (for quite a large sum as they knew they were in the wrong).

After that I took a job in a school for less money which was ok and paid the bills and then managed to find a much better job (3 years at it now). I now earn far more than I ever earnt before and the people I work with are so much nicer.

Long and the short you don't know where it may lead and it might take a few tries before you find one you might want to stick at but sometimes change is a good thing (even though I hate change). Might be time to look at something you've always wanted to give a try, I know it might be hard to be motivated right now but now is the ideal time to try.

Might even be some exciting things out there if you wanted to go further afield and look at jobs abroad (or remote UK places like the Isle of Scilly etc) even if only for a few months over the summer etc

 

[sammy.se]

I've sent you a DM

 

[Fitzroy]

Even knowing it was coming it will be a shock. You sound a bit like me in how you work, your loyalty to your team, and desire to help others achieve. To be pushed out from this environment will feel horrible. What's important to remember is that whilst is is personal, it's happened to you, it is not about your performance, your personal integrity, nor who you are, it's a business decision drive by cost! You need to accept that your feelings are going to be in overdrive for a good while and just roll with the punches. Go do some exercise/walk/socialise when you feel up, give yourself permission to sit under a blanket with a cup of tea when you're down, and sob/wail/vent when you need to. You've been working in the role for years so it's not going to be a few days before you feel yourself again.

 

[TRITON]

Buy a bicycle, go cycling for a while.

Being out and about is not sitting in spending money. Plus the nicer more bike friendly weather is coming back in, so time for a potter. Canal paths down your way ?

No need to rush back into things straight away. Take a bit of time to relax from the change. Then take stock, look about and see whats on the horizon.

 

[BucksDad]

I will throw out a random suggestion as it's something I regret not doing when I was younger... summer is just starting... travel round Europe cheaply for a few months - one of those rail passes you can get to travel anywhere, hostels + campsites - sounds bliss

 

[RobinBHM]

I'm looking for some worldly advice from the guys who have the experience to perhaps point me in the right direction for next roles

go out for a day at the seaside tomorrow and get some fresh air

and while you are munching on your fish n chips tell yourself it is a massive opportunity not a failure

sometimes we just need to give ourselves a break

 

[Jacob]

Whilst seeing it as an opportunity also make sure you cover your base. In the current climate debt is a slippery slope. Keep up with rent/mortgage/council tax . Claim all possible benefits as soon as possible. Don't borrow or otherwise chance it in the expectation of improvements later.
42 is young! I was 38 when I started doing real woodwork following a TOPs course (intensive C&G carpentry & joinery) and I know lots of people much older doing complete turnarounds, with training, further education, self employed or jobs in completely different areas.
I wish I was 42 again, you lucky lad!

 

[TRITON]

I wish I was 42 again, you lucky lad!

Thats right Jacob. You're an oldie aren't you aged 80 somfin.

 

[Nick.]

Hi @mg123 -Sorry to hear your situation & your post has touched a nerve with me - I can't offer any specific advice on your next move, but if it helps to know that you are not the only person who's job/career has been upturned in an instant after all the hard work you have done. It is devastating and I understand the headspace feeling too. I can't say 'stay positive' as I know it is not that easy.

It is very hard & I know how you feel standing on the edge of that hole with the soil crumbling.

I'm still thinking one door closes another opens & I'm 10 years on you mate which makes my hinges even harder to push - You have more time on your side to do something different if you want and more importantly take some time off if you can to re-set in your head. I need to do that too.

Best wishes,
Nick

 

[mg123]

Sorry to hear about your situation. What about self employment? Consulting, some type of management advising or turn a hobby or interest into a job etc?
There might be various courses locally that might help or small grants available.
There’s always something out there that people might need - handyman, gardener etc.
I’ve lost (sacked mostly lol) a few jobs in my younger years, always felt it was an opportunity to do something different or better.
Perhaps find something to tie you over, part time or otherwise, you might find a non management/manual position ok.
Hope things work out for you.

I would consider self employment, in fact, it's something I've been thinking about for a while. I've wanted to offer some sort of service for older generation, a general supportive handyman kind of role. I'm sick of hearing the regular stories where people are being ripped off by unscrupulous "builders" charging the earth and leaving substandard work. I'm not skilled enough to be able to do everything, but I'm handy enough to get over most small tasks.
I'll speak to my local job centre (are they still a thing??) to see what's available there.
Thanks for the response

 

[mg123]

Firstly very sorry to hear, presumably you will be getting some compensation which will cover you whilst you find something? It sounds as if you are single? If so that’s good as you haven’t got that worry.
This isn’t your fault. Simple as that, and you should remember it
New job, well this could be seen as an opportunity to retrain, there may be help available to pay for it? You’re obviously bright and willing, empathetic even? As they say "the worlds your lobster"?

I do have a package on offer, so there will be money enogh for a few months. I'm not single, but my partner is employed, we don't have children (my 2 children from past relationship are 18 and 20)
Thank you, you are right, it could well be a great opportunity, I'll be exploring what's available.
I enjoy being active and have never been out of work before, so I've already started throwing out prospective applications.
And you've got to love an Arthur Daley reference

 

[mg123]

Have you put yourself on linkin / indeed etc.

With your experience I'm sure a company / recruitment firm would snap you up?

Worth a try?

If not think about that other areas you might like to work in? Construction, engineering, project management?

All things that are allied tbh. Just need a foot in the door?

I'm in a potentially similar situation but with a divorce thrown in too.

I have LinkedIn although I've neglected it for some time, I got a little tired with all the fakery and derriere kissing. But perhaps it's worth revisiting. I have used indeed, CV library and a few other sites.
I worked with a plasterer (rendering, screeding, damp proofing etc) for several years when I was younger, I really enjoyed being on site and seeing the transformation from start to finish, so being back into a trade is possible.
Oh wow, I'm sorry about that. I divorced 10 years back so I can feel your pain. How are you handling everything?

 

[mg123]

I took VR when the FTSE100 where I'd worked for 17 years in professional roles went belly up. It's the best thing that ever happened to me at work. I landed a job that suited me better after a while and another 10 year career ensued.
Taking control and the initiative is better than trying to survive in an organisation that is cost cutting and shedding it's most expensive, because they are most experienced, staff.

Totally agree, struggling on with the cost cutting exercises has been tough. I'm hoping this will be a new beginning and a positive turn of events.
Thank you