Needing some advice regarding employment

[stitchdup]

Well as some of you may have read in the irked column I recently got notice that i may be made redundant. I've spoken with my bosses and said if possible I'd like to continue with my employment but can only do that if its 2 weeks work as 1 week will only pay rent and electric,and they treat us well, but since then I've been given notice of what the redundancy payment would be and its nearly 6 months wages which is a pretty good amount. I would qualify for assistance with my rent and get some extra help with electricity on top of that as well as a small payment to live on immediately if i take the redundancy. In some ways I'd like to go back to working days again as I'm sure it would help my health (I dont see sunlight for nearly 6 months so my vit d and white blood cell levels go crazy) but in other ways there the security of having the job. I dont have mortgage payments or kids to worry about so thats a non issue for me but other guys in the redundancy pool do. I've got to let them know in writing by firday so will be sending the email on thursday night. I've spoken with a previous employer that has worked in the jobcentre and citizens advice (the people that help when the jobcentre make mistakes/employment law and things of that nature) and he was helpful in some ways but not in others but gave some decent information. I just dont know what to do, my sister is keep the job and nothing else, my mum wont say one way or the other and a friend says take the money but its just not helping. I've not been in this position before as jobs usually just end with no payments (seasonal work) or i get sacked the week before i would qualify for any payment (and they expect loyalty doing that nonsense to staff). Its a big decision and I just dont know what to do, If i take the payment theres no guarentee I will find another job but if i dont that money is gone and i wouldn't even get close to that amount if it was my choice to leave. Anybody got any advice on what to do? I dont want to make the wrong decision but its a lot of money (more than I've ever had at once and i grew up poor) which would help in other areas and its enough that i could just sit back for those 6 months and relax for probably the first time in years. It would be much easier if they just decided for me but I have to make the choice and both have benefits to me but both have drawbacks. Any advice, even if its dumb would help I'm sure

[Ace-Garageguy]

I've never found myself in your position, thankfully, as most of my life I've been self employed. Between businesses, if I needed work, my wide ranging background and experience made me in demand for white collar and blue collar positions...so my input may be useless.

What kind of marketable skills do you have, to make finding work possible in the event you take the payout?

Any possibility of starting your own business doing something you enjoy, that won't take much startup expense?

A six month semi-paid vacation seems pretty sweet if you can get back on the horse without too much difficulty at the end of it.  

 

Edited January 11, 2023 by Ace-Garageguy
CLARITY

[stitchdup]

3 minutes ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

I've never found myself in your position, thankfully, as my wide ranging background and experience makes me pretty much in demand, for white collar and blue collar positions...so my input may be useless.

What kind of marketable skills do you have, to make finding work possible in the event you take the payout?

Any possibility of starting your own business doing something you enjoy, that won't take much startup expense?

A six month semi-paid vacation seems pretty sweet if you can get back on the horse without too much difficulty at the end of it.  

 

I'm a pretty good chef and helped a previous employer get michelin starred, I'm a good cleaner that isn't satisfied unless the place looks better than when i started and i have done lots of bodyshop work but its not an option with the emphysema/copd. I can turn my hand to most jobs though but generaly I try to work alone or in small groups as i suffer badly with anxiety in larger groups. I've also been a butcher, baker (breads) worked gutting fish, farming and a few other jobs. for most of my late twenties and early 30s i had a full time job and a part time job at the same time. I have really good references too, and my current job approached me so i must be doing something right. I might see if the local guy that does 3d printed n scale train and boat parts, if i could help him out (on my dime so to speak) for a while to get more knowledge of 3d printing and maybe do something with that and vw family cars as there seems to be a gap there but i may be biased about them, lol.

[Ace-Garageguy]

Sounds like you have a lot of skills, and with your solid references I'd think you can get hired again pretty easily...but I have no idea how the job market is where you are.

3D printing sounds like an interesting possible option too. From what I can tell, guys who are turning out top-quality product can't keep up with demand (though some of them are selling their work way too cheap).

[stitchdup]

14 minutes ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

Sounds like you have a lot of skills, and with your solid references I'd think you can get hired again pretty easily...but I have no idea how the job market is where you are.

3D printing sounds like an interesting possible option too. From what I can tell, guys who are turning out top-quality product can't keep up with demand (though some of them are selling their work way too cheap).

The only time I've had trouble finding a job was when my granny passed away but i really wasn't putting much effort into it then. When I quit the body shop at half past 9 one morning, I walked into a chef job at 10.15 the same day, even turning up still in my dirty overalls as I had a good reputation for my work ethic. The only reason I asked in that hotel was it was the first business in town after i walked back from the body shop.

[Mark]

If you have a work ethic, you have a leg up on 90% of the people out there.

[stitchdup]

Just now, Mark said:

If you have a work ethic, you have a leg up on 90% of the people out there.

my work ethic is if I'm being paid to do something I'll do the best job i possibly can, whether it slow roasting meats for posh dinners or cleaning toilets, the job must be done the best i can, even if it takes longer

[Joe Nunes]

I think you will be able to find employment without too much trouble. The trick is to find work that you can enjoy and that can offer opportunities for advancement to those willing to go the extra mile. From my own experience I can say this: having been laid off a few times I found that each subsequent employment offered me more responsibilities and income, and, most important, I would end up enjoying the new duties more than the previous job. Make the most out of the opportunities coming your way and enjoy the lemonade!  ?

Joe

[Lunajammer]

On this side of the pond the decision might be easy, lots and lots of employment opportunities and unemployment is at an historical low. If this scenario is the same where you are, take the money. With five or six months to find the right fit, the odds might be in your favor. You might even get to be selective.

[bobthehobbyguy]

Sounds like you should no trouble getting employment.

One question if you get another job does the remainder of the 6 months pay go away?

If you get that money regardless then I say that it would definitely be an opportunity for you. 

[BlackSheep214]

Sounds like you are a man with many skills. I get it with some of your health issues (anxiety, copd, etc...) but don't despair. Something is bound to fall in your lap.

What about a courier job of sorts - not a taxi job mind you. I’m talking about auto parts delivery driver, delivering lab work, home prescription delivery for a drug store, courtesy driver for a local garage, or even a bus driver for a nursing home transporting residents to doctor appointments, etc...  

[stitchdup]

7 hours ago, bobthehobbyguy said:

Sounds like you should no trouble getting employment.

One question if you get another job does the remainder of the 6 months pay go away?

If you get that money regardless then I say that it would definitely be an opportunity for you. 

its a lump sum

[stitchdup]

6 hours ago, BlackSheep214 said:

Sounds like you are a man with many skills. I get it with some of your health issues (anxiety, copd, etc...) but don't despair. Something is bound to fall in your lap.

What about a courier job of sorts - not a taxi job mind you. I’m talking about auto parts delivery driver, delivering lab work, home prescription delivery for a drug store, courtesy driver for a local garage, or even a bus driver for a nursing home transporting residents to doctor appointments, etc...  

i'm not allowed to drive as i used to take fits unfortunately

[bobthehobbyguy]

15 minutes ago, stitchdup said:

its a lump sum

In that case I would recommend you take it. You have no guarantees that staying you will get more work at your current employer. You are guaranteed 6 months pay  by taking this. With the money you have the opportunity to tailor your next employment to fit your needs and end up with some money in the bank.

[stitchdup]

Well at the moment I'm leaning towards taking the money and trying something else for a while. Having regular wages is very tempting but at the same time I've been working week on/week off at night for 4 years and its time for a change cos i miss daylight most for most of winter, and it would mean I dont spend all my time wondering what day it is today. I've not fully decided what to do employment wise but with the government support available as a newly redundant person I'd be stupid not to try my own thing for a while and see if it works out. I'm thiking that if i give it 3 or 4 months I'll know if its worthwhile in that time and wont really have lost anything on the employment front as thats when jobs are more available in my local area.

[bobthehobbyguy]

Definitely. I think your plan is solid. In the long run I believe you will regret taking this opportunity.  But you are smart weighing your options before making your decision. Good luck with your new endeavor.

[paul alflen]

Take the money, relax, and enjoy yourself for a while (1 month) Month 2- figure out what interests you and go try that out. Month 3- sign up for a 3d printing class or body work class or night school on what you like. Month 4 -get you resume together so that when the money runs out you are ready to work! Month5 - volunteer in any subjects you'd like to try out to see if you really like it. Month 6- you will be ready for reentering the work force on what you want to do! Don't get fat, don't get discouraged, and keep you work ethic that you have. It will be Spring, and work/ employment goes up in Spring! Also network with everyone you meet everywhere. You never know who you will run in to. God is giving you this time to change your career. Ask God to direct you for your new career! He is never wrong! God Bless and Good luck in your search!

Edited January 11, 2023 by paul alflen
punctuation

[stitchdup]

Thanks for the help guys. My family think I'm nuts but I've put myself forward to be considered for voluntary redundancy so its up to the company to choose who is leaving now. After 15 years cleaning up other folks urine and faeces I need to do something else. I think I'll try to find something around 20 hours a week as a temporary job to have as a back up in a couple of months. I haven't had a holiday or break from work in 4 years so thats formed part of my thoughts, and i wrote out a pros and cons list and the pro list was much longer. I've also said I would be happy to relief work if they need someone so hopefully that keeps the door open to come back in the future

[Joe Nunes]

Hope you are successful with finding employment that is fulfilling and enjoyable. Take it a day at a time and have some fun during this time of renewal.

Joe 

[JollySipper]

I believe Mr. Alflen gave the best advice! Chill for a month or two, decide what you'd like to do, then ease back into doing something you enjoy........ Do you like to paint, as in houses? I remember you did some refinishing at your Mom's house........

[stitchdup]

2 minutes ago, JollySipper said:

I believe Mr. Alflen gave the best advice! Chill for a month or two, decide what you'd like to do, then ease back into doing something you enjoy........ Do you like to paint, as in houses? I remember you did some refinishing at your Mom's house........

i had to do it twice cos she didn't like the colour SHE chose, lol. I am going to redo my bathroom once the leak has been repaired though and probably in the blue she didn't like just to wind her up, pahaha

[stitchdup]

In 36 hours the next adventure begins, lets see where this ends up

[Dave Van]

Very difficult to advise someone living in a country I know little about. 

I will say I hope for the best for you in whatever direction you go. 

[stavanzer]

1 hour ago, stitchdup said:

In 36 hours the next adventure begins, lets see where this ends up

Good Luck!

I'll be praying for you.