Been made redundant from IT job - advice needed?

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Hey all,

I'm really sorry to make this my first post. I've been browsing the forums for over a year now, and I've really enjoyed reading the banter, tips and advice. Unfortunately, it has come to a stage where I'm in need of a little advice.

At the moment, I've just been made redundant from my job as a Systems Engineer. I'm 22 and have 4 years experience as a Systems Engineer. I have A levels, an advanced apprenticeships, advanced diploma and partial way through a degree. I'm really confused and worried, as I don't know what to do and I only have one pay check and some savings to keep me going until I find a new job.

My main questions are:

How difficult would it be for someone in my position to secure another IT role in todays current market?

Would it be best to target SMEs or large companies in the North?

What other roles, other than IT, do you think I will be able to apply for given my background?

I've always enjoyed the physical side - cabling, patching, PC/server builds, router installations, etc. What type of work is out their for someone with those interests?

Thanks in advance for any advice - it's greatly appreciated.

Adam

 

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Just like to say good luck with the hunt, and if i were you id use this time off to certify or get ahead with your degree.

 

Hi Adam and welcome to CF), sorry to hear you've been made redundant but don't worry so much. I'd advise you spend some time on this forum under the "Employment & Jobs" forums as there is a lot of useful job search and preparing articles there.

Best wishes and start looking for the next IT role

 

What he said

that's bummer about being made redundant!

I agree with what has already been said.

Hello & Welcome to CF

 

Thanks, guys for the replies.

It's been a week since I was made redundant.

If I used this period for a career break and then came back to look for a job, how would I explain to potential employers about the time gap?

 

If you're looking to get something sooner rather than later my advice would be to look at contract roles. These turn around a lot quicker and you could be back in work in days rather than weeks or months.

 

Well... that's one of the downsides to taking a career break, isn't it?

Welcome to the forum.

 

To be honest ive always thought if you need a break from your career, then you are in the wrong career.

 

Its always hard on you the first time you get made redundant, I remember it had a very profound effect on me. I'd brush yourself down and start a new, after I got over the initial shock I eventually took it as very valuable lesson to learn, that life is about business and the bottom line.

Things could have been very different now if I hadn't been made redundant when I was, I could of got my foot on the housing ladder when prices were still cheep and financially been £100k's better off. However nothing can change that now, things are what they are.

The market does not seem particulary great at the moment, however if you want to make a career you have little option but to keep working or training. Twenty two is too young an age to give up, you also said you have no savings so how will you fund time out ?

I would look into getting another job, consider relocating if necessary, this will give you some variety and enhance your prospects, you can even get a working holiday visa for some countries and try working abroad.

 

Excellent quote; may I use it?

Rep given.

 

A person that never has a bad moment or second thought in their career is pretty rare in my book, its a pretty natural reaction to revaluate your situation after a redundancy.

 

Having a bad moment, second thought, or re-evaluation of your situation is totally understandable. A career break is taking it to another level.

It's not *wrong* to take a career break... but it is something to be carefully considered, as it can further impact a career that's already in trouble.

 

In this person's situation I'd second your quote for truth

 

I bloody well figured this out back in 2005. The problem is that where I like living is not a place where you find many computer geeks, and the bastards (locals) drafted me back into the army, so to speak.

I'm *STILL* trying to switch from techie to full-time photographer, dammit.

In any case, to the person who started the thread: my condolences. Here's hoping you get back into the work force ASAP. And... May I just point out that you can't be made redundant if you're your own boss? I strongly recommend looking into self-employment options some time down the road when you've got a bit more experience under your belt.

 

Sorry to hear about your job Adam. I wish you all the best though. Welcome to CF.

 

Of course, as long as this sites T&C doesnt say that they are allowed to copyright everything we post lol

 

I know how you feel Adam. I've been made redundant twice! First time was as an apprentice adn i knew it was comming as the company were laying off a lot of staff, so ona last in first out basis it made sense to get rid of teh apprentices as soon as we completed training. That led to my first career break as i just couldnt get a job at that point. Noone wanted a trained but un-experienced spark back then (and that was at age 19!).

2nd time was back in 2001 just after 9/11. The redundancy came totally out of teh blue, and it seemed that only the "YES" men were kept, not nescersarily the best workers. I went in that lot, but was glad to get out of teh place as me and my boss had had a few run ins (he was useless as a team leader in my opinion as he couldnt make up his mind if he wanted to be management or "one of the lads".) That was at age 29(?). It led to another career break, particularly as my marriage fell apart at that point too. While i'm glad i wasn't working during my divorce, i could have done with the money, and it also is reflected in my CV as a long break where no new skills or qualifications were gained. Its hard to concentrate on work when things take a turn as bad as that.

However, each time i was layed off, i did eventually pull myself togther and bounce back. I started taking temp work, anything that suited even the basics of my skills (such as wireman, PAT tester), and after a few years, i had more experience over a wide range of skills and jobs, that have now helped me get work in almost any posistion, as i can show i can learn and adapt quickly.

My advice would be, if you really feel the need to take a break, then have one. Just don't let it extend too long, as you will find it hard to get full time employment. The longer a break in your work history the more reluctant and employer can be about picking you for a posistion.

As the old addage goes "its easier to find work while in work than it is if you've had a break!"

 

Thanks for the advice guys.

What is the best method of locating contract support work?

I've sent my CV out to a few recruitment agencies, so just waiting to hear back on them.

Is it a good idea to send speculative letters to companies for contract IT work?

 

Well, some excellent news.

I popped my CV up this lunch time for some IT work, and I now have three interviews booked and confirmed for later this week.

And there's me thinking that the market is in a downturn.

 

That *is* excellent news! Good luck with the interviews!

Harry.