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

[mg123]

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.

We do have a plethora of local warehousing and distribution in this neck of the woods. I'll consider similar, or a complete change of career.
Thank you

 

[howardjennings]

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

If you like technology and automation have a look at make.com. they have an interface that allows to bits of software to speak to eachother. For example outlook and this forum, everythime someone creates a post, you get an email. That's very simplistic, you can do huge complicated tasks, very easily. I ran a small business in the US with 10 staff, by the time I sold it almost everything was automated and we were down to 4 staff

It's becoming big business, lots of businesses are looking to cut costs, automation is one way. Could be an opportunity. There are lots of free training and helpful people too

 

[mg123]

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

Thank you for the information. It's always good to hear the positive outcomes from a situation. Knowing there is light at the end of the tunnel helps. I'm considering lots of options at the moment. I would love a change, to do something more creative. My issue is, I lack creativity lol.
I'm sorry you went through what appears to be quite a difficult time. But it seems to have really paid off and all is well.

 

[mg123]

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.

Thanks Fitzroy, I appreciate the feedback. All good solid advice, my thoughts are doing summersaults and sleep is difficult. But everything will be OK one way or another.

 

[mg123]

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.

Thanks Triton, I own a bike and it's been sitting in the garage unused for quite some time. I used it a lot when I went through my divorce so it's a good idea to dust it down and get back out on the road. We have some great canals not too far away.
I'm not one not to work, but a bit of free time might do me good.

 

[mg123]

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

I love the idea, and think about it quite often. But I have the financial fear that may ensue with an extended gap in my CV. A couple of weeks might be not too much of an issue. Now I'm thinking

 

[mg123]

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

A day at the beach is a great idea. I'd planned to make today a day of "no work". I'm currently coming towards the end of a house extension, and I've been fitting the kitchen and building a media wall amongst many other random tasks, ergo 99% of my free time has been taken with DIY tasks.

 

[mg123]

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!

Thanks Jacob, I'm on your page here completely. As I mentioned, bills are tracked quite closely. I've never missed a bill in my life, and won't start now. I'll visit job centre on Monday to find out what's available nowadays. I'm already in a little debt on 2 credit cards due to the ongoing and unexpected costs of a house extension. But they're sitting at 0% for 11 months and 18 months and my plans were always to clear those before interests is charged. This is still achievable, but it's the first credit card debt I've had in robaky 15 years.
I would love to be able to do woodwork for a living, but I'm not confident in my ability or speed of work. I'd gladly take a labouring/learning type role. I have quite a few tools and I can do a fair few things myself.
Thank you for the support.

 

[mg123]

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

Thanks Nick, I appreciate the support. Time will tell how everything will work out. I've started making steps with the various websites.
You're right though, for every door closed, another opens. The sun is already shining today so that makes the world a better place. Options are abound, I'll keep looking forward and stay positive.

 

[mg123]

If you like technology and automation have a look at make.com. they have an interface that allows to bits of software to speak to eachother. For example outlook and this forum, everythime someone creates a post, you get an email. That's very simplistic, you can do huge complicated tasks, very easily. I ran a small business in the US with 10 staff, by the time I sold it almost everything was automated and we were down to 4 staff

It's becoming big business, lots of businesses are looking to cut costs, automation is one way. Could be an opportunity. There are lots of free training and helpful people too

Thanks Howard, I was involved in the use of copilot at work, Microsofts AI assistant.
I'll take a look at the site and will use it to help, thank you.

 

[Jacob]

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

Not that old! Only 79.

 

[MikeJhn]

I note on the OP that you are a member of IOSH, have you thought of becoming a sole trader consultant in your field of expertise, I did this when I was made redundant, earn't more than enough and only worked three, or at a push four days a week, my only regret is I did not take that route earlier in my life, also have a look at a mature student route to get better qualified, letters after your name seem to impress clients, there are lots of Associations out there that don't require extensive study to join and have enough standing to allow you to use the qualification after your name.

 

[Terrytpot]

Lost my 20+years job a few years ago in quite a traumatic way so can sympathise with how your feeling now but I eventually got round to treating it as an opportunity and am now in a much happier and healthier place than I was before losing said job. After 3 years of getting back on my feet working in the same area I upped sticks and moved house (couldn’t find the ideal property where we were) to somewhere an hour north and now work for a firm that has a branch in Crewe who, like all of their branches, are always recruiting, particularly in supervisory or management roles.. GIST who handle transportation of food for M&S. Can’t hurt to give them a try and they are really friendly

 

[Rocky Allen]

Have a complete change: fostering. Well paid and incredibly satisfying.

 

[mg123]

I note on the OP that you are a member of IOSH, have you thought of becoming a sole trader consultant in your field of expertise, I did this when I was made redundant, earn't more than enough and only worked three, or at a push four days a week, my only regret is I did not take that route earlier in my life, also have a look at a mature student route to get better qualified, letters after your name seem to impress clients, there are lots of Associations out there that don't require extensive study to join and have enough standing to allow you to use the qualification after your name.

The IOSH course was an IOSH accredited managing health and safety at work course. Consultant work would be a great thing to do, so I can look at the additional education to gain the letters required.

 

[mg123]

Lost my 20+years job a few years ago in quite a traumatic way so can sympathise with how your feeling now but I eventually got round to treating it as an opportunity and am now in a much happier and healthier place than I was before losing said job. After 3 years of getting back on my feet working in the same area I upped sticks and moved house (couldn’t find the ideal property where we were) to somewhere an hour north and now work for a firm that has a branch in Crewe who, like all of their branches, are always recruiting, particularly in supervisory or management roles.. GIST who handle transportation of food for M&S. Can’t hurt to give them a try and they are really friendly

I am aware of GIST on 2 fronts. I worked there many years back as a stop gap for an agency. I think i was there 2 weeks but as it was agency, I left for a permanent contract elsewhere. Some years later, It's nice to know someone with a positive view of the company they work for, that really speaks volumes for the kind of place they are. I'll review their job vacancy section

 

[mg123]

Have a complete change: fostering. Well paid and incredibly satisfying.

I briefly explored this option when I was with the ex wife, maybe one to revisit.

 

[okeydokey]

Hi
I was made redundant as a manager from a major bank after about 40 years and forget the financial specific stuff as looking for a job but I had a huge amount of experience at managing people, buildings and contractors. The management skill - at whatever level is one you shouldn't overlook its transferable to anywhere.
We had an outplacement consultant helped with cv and stuff total waste of time ----- other colleagues went looking for finance related jobs one ended up as the operations managers for a chain of accountants and hated it a few others took lower grade finance stuff as a stopgap on the basis its a job and something to do and its easier to find a job if your in employment. I ended up working as a Facilities Manager for BT. On that subject if you can get into facilities management nice interesting and varied work
So for my money find something to do even if its not the end game and while your working keep your eyes open, read all the job adverts sign up for 4 or more employment agencies face to face not online (its free) you just have to put up with the same inane questions from their staff bear with it they might come up with something. Don't forget they get paid when they find someone taken on by an employer.
Or perhaps carry on doing what you do somewhere else that firm might after a few months come up with something a bit better in the same firm when they've seen you but meantime stay with the agencies
good luck

 

[Osmond]

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. As someone of similar age who is currently in the process of purchasing my first house alone (divorced a couple of years ago and have been renting) I can imagine the stress a letter like that would cause.

From what you've shared, you possess a wealth of experience and skills that can be applied in various industries, not just limited to warehousing. Your expertise in supply chain management, system development, and people management are highly valuable and transferable.

Considering your inclination towards problem-solving and working with numbers, have you thought about exploring opportunities in the field of business analysis, particularly within logistics companies? Your deep understanding of the end-to-end retail process and your managerial background could make you a great fit for roles where you can analyse data, identify inefficiencies, and propose strategic solutions to optimise operations.

I did a quick google and have attached an example job spec.

 

[Ollie78]

Don't worry, take any job for a while, try agencies just to keep some money coming in. Years ago I worked with agencies for a while and ended up doing many different jobs for a few weeks or months at a time, if I didn't like it I just got a different one the next week. Also you can do it part time whilst you sort out what you need to do.

Do not expect a damn thing from the job centre. When I was made redundant they were giving me £75 a week for job seekers allowance. I mentioned I might try to become self employed. That's great they said we will help you.... now you can have £ 50 a week instead. Mental.

Ollie