Well, what to do next ?

[tronads]

Today marked my last day of employment for HP after being made redundant after 23 years and 2 months.

Payoff is nice, and I know I am fortunate in that I have no immediate financial worries thanks to a tiny mortgage, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little emotional about the whole thing.

Just have to find something else to do now.

 

[muddymusic]

23 years, wow that's a long service and no wonder you're feeling emotional about it all. Perhaps best to look at this like a chance to really take your life in a new direction, no immediate financial worries and the opportunity to do those things you've been putting off for a point in your life when you've got some spare time and cash - as now is that time, so enjoy it

 

[Alpha1]

What did you do for HP? Technical roles are actually in demand at the minute!

 

[Purity]

23 years is impressive, and I can understand the emotion, and routine associated with the job.

I agree with Muddy, this is an opportunity. You can take some time out to chill, and then really decide on what you want to do next. Whether that be working in IT or doing something completely different.

The world is your oyster. Good luck!

 

[DanP]

Being made redundant is not nice even if you want it to happen. Psychologically you go through the same emotions as a bereavement. It's going to be a bit of a roller coaster for a while, the best thing you can do is to keep busy. Best tonic for me has always been finding another job, even if it was just a temporary one, it's good to get back into the saddle again. 23 years is a long time and you may or may not have had interviews at other companies in that time, they will most certainly have changed. I had my 3rd redundancy earlier this year (after nearly 10 years in role) and things had really changed just in that time.

Best of luck to you!

Dan

 

[Stevros]

sORRY TO HEAR THIS, BEING MADE REDUNDANT IS NOT NICE AT ALL, I CANNOT IMAGINE HOW YOU ARE FEELING AFTER ALL THAT TIME IN THE SAME COMPANY, TAKE THE TIME OFF TO ENJOY YOURSELF FOR A WHILE BEFORE LOOKING ELSEWHERE.
gOOD LUCK
sTEVE

 

[strykr]

Sorry to hear that mate, happening to me next year too. just feel a bit numb at the moment

 

[IDCHAPPY]

23 years is a long time, I've only been in the heating game 19 and that feels like forever

.

Take your time buddy and think of something you really want to do.

 

[Urgentemente]

Went through this at the very end of 2012 after 11 "and a bit" years in same place (not quite up with your 22 years!).

I deliberately took an extended xmas break after the usual family visiting, and only started looking for a new job a few months into 2013. At first I was a bit choosy,thinking there's plenty of time, and didn't put CV's up for a while etc, silly really. Once a few months passed and I uploaded CV's I started to get a few calls (IT systems/network stuff), had a few interviews ,several that sounded almost done deals only to fall through at the last minute. By the end of 2013 I was getting a bit peeved off and the payoff money was rapidly dwindling (and I DID resist buying an ID cab, Tron etc etc when I first got the payout!). Got some contract work early in 2014 and then got a call back from my now-current employer whom I'd had an interview with just before xmas.

All I'd say is take a bit of time to wind down, it does feel a bit 'odd' not going into work after a long time doing the same routine, but I enjoyed having the free time. I wouldn't have thought you'd have any problems getting some contract work with that length of experience with HP, so maybe a few contract positions to keep some cash coming in ,and keep the 'eye' in etc, balanced against enjoying some free time