Last week my employer announced a restructure. If you have worked in the corporate world you'll recognise that word for what it is: redundancies. Various figures were given: X percent of July's headcount, not including employees in unit Y. What it boils down to is that probably one in five of us in the UK are going to lose our jobs. To make it worse, because of the overall number of people likely to be affected, the company legally have to follow a consultation process that means it could be several weeks (and in the extreme case, up to three months) before we find out who is at risk.
The common sense part of me looks at what they are doing and actually approves. They are a good solid company, been around for decades, and have used similar restructures a couple of times in the past in order to stay functional and profitable in uncertain financial times. I honestly think from a business point of view that they are doing the right thing (although obviously that will be no consolation if it turns out to be me).
The career-minded part of me is irritated but not overly worried. At the risk of sounding egotistical, I am good at what I do and I know I will find a new job (also, I am not proud and would take whatever work I could find). I'm irritated because I enjoy what I do and where I do it, and it's hugely convenient in terms of location (six miles from home) and childcare arrangements.
The emotional part of me (the part that seemed to appear at the birth of my daughter) is absolutely distraught. I cannot bear the thought of going back to the long hours and commuting of my previous job. I can't imagine arriving home just before (or worse, just after) her bedtime; becoming a stranger during the week; missing out on her childhood. I don't want to be too tired to be mum. Every time I think about it I want to cry, and I've been very close to tears at work (very uncharacteristic).
I find myself hoping that the consultation period passes quickly; that those involved come to a conclusion quickly so that we can all be put out of our misery. The waiting is killing me.
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There is nothing worse than not knowing. Hope the consultation period is as short as possible and you are able to get on with life again soon. Keeping everything crossed that you are not affected and can keep that precious work-life balance safe.
ReplyDeleteTry not to worry about it. Deal with realities, not possibilities. You could spend the consultation period worrying for nothing and then think of all that wasted energy. Even if you were to be made redundant, you could have time to look around and find something that works for you.
ReplyDeleteI know that's easier said than done but worry about what you can control and not what you can't.
Milkchic's right, the waiting is worst. I was made redundant nearly six years ago.
ReplyDeleteAt the time I was very fed up but, actually, it has led to all kinds of things I wouldn't have done otherwise.
Thanks for the support guys, much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteThanks for leaving your the comment on my blog. I'm wondering where you work that's restructuring. Solid company, been around for decades, one in five people losing their jobs in the UK, it almost sounds like you work for the same company as me.
ReplyDeleteI'm similar to you in that I know I'm good at what I do, only live a mile from our office. If I did have to get another job then I'd either have to relocate the whole family or spend the week living away and coming back home on weekends.
Fingers crossed for you and me and hope that both our jobs are safe after the consultation periods have finished.