It's official.....

Need more help?

Get feedback on your writing.
Get assistance with finding literary agents.
Get help writing for children.
Sign up for one of our online creative writing courses
Get free advice on How to Write a Book.
Find out How To Get Published.
Explore the best book on Getting Published.
Don't miss our Festival of Writing.
If you're still stuck, then contact us.

The Writers' Workshop is run by writers for writers. We're here to help.

Published by: Kiki on 4th Feb 2011 | View all blogs by Kiki

Today, at 11:00am I was made redundant.

I have been fighting to get back to work for over six months; before this time I was too weak and poorly. The company I worked for have been very generous but it still hurts. I gave them two healthy years of my life, regularly working thirteen plus hour days and weekends. This is not their fault, they have to think of what is best for the company and the clients. I am not good for either as I can only work part time.
They have offered to help with anything that I need to find another position and glowing references; I earned those.
My medical report from occupational health was pretty damning as I am still under investigation for my pain condition, though I am actually a lot better than I was.
There were tears though I was trying really hard to be professional, and they looked very upset.

I will miss my job.

What this means for now is, more time to write and plenty of time to think about life and the future. At the moment I am angry about the situtation my condition has put me in but I can't change anything, so I have to stay positive.

The future is still bright.......

Comments

27 Comments

by John Taylor 1 year ago

You'll come out fighting, Kiki. Positive anger is good. I'll go and kick my bin for you – it gets a lot of kicks.
by Liss 1 year ago

Oh Keeks :( What a nasty blow, I am so sorry! It's not your fault you have the painful condition you do, but like you very rightly said - you have left with your integrity and dignity and a glowing reference can mean the difference when looking for a new job.

Take your time in looking for other work, part time is more suitable for you now, which will relieve the stress and make things easier.

I am sorry though, it must hurt alot x
by RichardB 1 year ago

Kiki, sad news and you have my sympathy. I know pretty much how you must feel. Although I've decided to make it into an early retirement and am now in the happy position of being able to say: 'Sod 'em all!' I can still vividly remember the hurt and bewilderment I first felt when I got the elbow, also for health reasons, last December.

And it's good you felt able to end your blog on a positive note. That's the spirit!
by Jaxx 1 year ago

We have metal bins at work for kicking purposes. We tried plastic ones but it wasn't the same.

I'm so sorry to hear the sad news, but I agree that this could be a very good opportunity for writing and 'catching up with life'. Take it easy and enjoy the time while it lasts. x
by MarkR 1 year ago

Oh Kiki, I am sorry to read the above and feel for you. You might tell yourself that you expected it, but of course the reality of this morning will take some time to work through. It's a small grace, particularly today, but the mutual respect between you and your colleagues shines through and I'm sure their reference will do you justice.

What next? Well you're the author of that tale and I'm sure there'll be some fabulous twists in store you've not yet imagined. Lots of your readers here will be hoping and expecting a happy ending.
by SecretSpi 1 year ago

I am sorry Kiki. John is right - anger is good. So are tears. And I'll let you in to one of my (many) secrets - I was made redundant a few years back - turned out to be one of the best things that happened to me. Hope it turns out well for you in the end.
by Gerry 1 year ago

How goes the graphic novel? Could this be the opportunity you need to push it through to completion?
by Mcallan 1 year ago

Hi Keeks. You have certainly been through the mill of emotions recently haven't you. All of us here have faith in you 'cos you are a cracking woman and an inspiration with your attitude. You go get 'em tiger..:)
by Debi 1 year ago

You're the 3rd person I know this week with this kind of news. Everything in life happens for a reason and I hope that in time to come you will look back and see this as a turning point that leads you to somewhere magical. Meanwhile, have plenty of hugs. x
by AlanP 1 year ago

Like you and Spi I was fired once, in my case by a complete bastard. It changed my philosophy of life, although I never did get even, I did better than that, I did better.

It sounds like a cliché, but it isn't really. Tomorrow is another day, what's more it's the first day of the rest of your life. You go for it girl.
by Tony 1 year ago

It's a shock, as much as anything else, isn't it, Kiki? My job was made redundant about seven years ago and, as others have said, it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened. My redundancy money saw us through the six months it took to get another job (but that included time off for a heart attack - nothing to do with the job sit.) I started writing my novel and decided to get a half-time job and continue writing half-time. Perfect. Your 'perfect' outcome will no doubt be different from mine, but the point is you are now in a position for it to start to come to fruition - instead of struggling to get back up to speed with your old job and constantly worrying that your present circumstances are preventing you from excelling as you would wish. You're free now! You don't have to worry on that score any more. Take some time out and see what begins to drop into place. (On a practical note, sign on at the Job Centre straight away. I think there might be a wait of some weeks before you can receive any benefit, but the sooner you register the sooner it will be paid eventually - and you're entitled.) Write on, Kiki.
by Laurajs 1 year ago

I'm so sorry, Kiki, I know this is a really rough time. There have been a lot of redundancies in my industry and at my place of work over the last couple of years, and I can honestly say I don't know anyone who doesn't look back and say it was all for the best. Sometimes our hand is forced, but the end result is exactly what we need. x
by Spangles 1 year ago

I'm so sorry, Kiki. It is such a shock when these things happen. But in common with several other Clouders, I'm sure this has happened for a reason and it's one that will turn out to be really good for you.

I was also made redundant once and, as with SS, it turned out to be A Very Good Thing. xxx
by stephenterry 1 year ago

I might be different, but when I was made redundant at 55, I looked forward to all the opportunities - not being beholden to anyone any more. Things have a way of working out - and you have positive references etc, so there's a lot of positives...
by Gerilyn 1 year ago

Ahhh, so sorry to hear this Kiki. I'm sure that some good will come out of this, you are young and positive and determined and you'll also have so much more time to write. Stay positive hunny. Big Hugs xxx
by Kiki 1 year ago

Thanks guys, your concern & kind messages & hugs means a great deal. I won't stay down for long! It's difficult to find yourself written off at just turned 35yrs, but you are all right; everything does happen for a reason.
I am sort of excited for the future, its just a little raw at present. I have never been made redundant before and have worked since 17yrs.
Thank you again, it's amazing how so many people have had similar experiences. Even in negativity there sprouts new shoots of unity.
Lots of love xxx :)
by Barry Walsh 1 year ago

Head up Kiki. 'The best is yet to be."
by John Taylor 1 year ago

I was made redundant when I was 25. It hurt, because at that time, I had no confidence, and had to declare active epilepsy on every application form. But I got work with people with learning disabilities through Community Service Volunteers. Thirty years later...

I often wonder how long I would have clung to that job if the company hadn't folded: I knew that I wasn't very employable. For me, it was the beginning of the most wonderful journey.
by Mike in the West 1 year ago

A few centuries ago when I was still working we had what were called 'careers' and redundancies hadn't been invented. Looking back I realise that many people were complacent about their jobs and never felt at risk of losing their employment. Now it is so very different and for you it must feel very personal, even coming from a benevolent employee. I sympathise with your position, but I too sense that you have what it takes to get through this and to somehow turn it to your eventual advantage.. I wish you well.
by Mike in the West 1 year ago

Sorry, I meant to type employer.
by Autumn 1 year ago

Sorry to hear about this Keeks. You have had such a hard time, been very loyal and hard-working and certainly didn't deserve this. In a way, it's been harder for you to be angry because you say they have been good employers and were upset too, so on top of the shock and grief you must feel there is nobody to shout at and make you feel better. It's nice to see cloudies queuing up to offer bins and shoulders, and I offer mine too.

I'm sorry you will miss your job - it's great when you love your work - so I really hope you will quickly find the benefits outweigh the drawbacks; and that you enjoy the extra writing time and space you need. *hugs*
by mike 1 year ago

Dear Kiki.
I hope things improve for you. This is happening all around in local government too. All the extras seem to be going the homework helpers have been told they only have a job till the end of the month etc. Perhaps it is better to form interests outside work and not make work the priority?
by JtF 1 year ago

Dear Kiki,
it's their loss - simple(s) as that. With your involvement (13 hr days) there must be a lot of stuff/people/procedures/outcomes that you know and someone else has to learn . . .If they were proper bosses they's try to work with you - but no has one less letter than yes. Sure it's a blow and as you claw towards full health it's a bit of a foul blow but don't look at the problem - it's how you deal with it. You can only get better and better. Best JtF
by Kate7 1 year ago

Many, many hugz for you! At least you can see some posative in there as well hang in there some good karma is due.
by Kiki 1 year ago

Thanks again friends. I feel a lot better today. It's awful that so many of you have been through the same thing, I feel for you.
John - you are the most wonderful person & your wife so obviously adores you; you are an inspiration.
I have ordered a ton of self help / web design / App. design books / 2010 HTML / copy-editing & copy-writing (Thanks to Blue xx) etc etc. I'm going to study. I'm checking out fast track courses so I can work from home and still write.
I'm not taking this lying down! You guys are partly responsible for this change of heart.
Thank you for everything.
xxxx :)
by imp 1 year ago

I missed this first time round Kiki - it looks like the tide has turned and you are on the up again. Tough break but you are already trying to turn it to your advantage. Best of luck!
by MinxieAD 1 year ago

I missed this too. It's such a shame you became so ill, and this happened. Health is so important and it sounds like you'd have become more ill if you had stayed, as well as having little time to write. You always seem very focused and determined, and I'm sure that will help you whatever you decide to do. I believe things happen for a reason and maybe this has happened so you can find a nicer job and get where you want with your writing? I hope so... Also glad to hear you're improving.