This morning is one of those mornings that makes me grateful for being made redundant 3 years ago.
I had worked for the same company for 15-years. My only real job from leaving university. I had spent the time firstly commuting from Walthamstow to Croydon, and then to Twickenham. 2017 I moved to Loughton and my commute was literally the width of London!
I would be up at 5am, on the train at 5:15 and in the office for 6:45. I would eventually walk back through my door at around 7pm. Looking back, it is crazy just how much time I spent commuting.
When I was told my job would be up for redundancy (my face no longer fit!), I was of course apprehensive. But once I had thought it through I did not fear it.
The equivalent of 7 months salary was on the table, and paid in lieu. That meant no notice period, no gardening leave. I could basically start a job the next day.
Within a week I had accepted a new job, but took the decision to not start until the new year (we were in the back end of October). 12 weeks of chilling and my first Christmas off in my working life (bar when I visited Thailand and Australia over Christmas).
The new company was brilliant, but the chance made me realise I had fallen out of love with recruitment. After 16-years in the industry I decided to look into a new career.
I now write this blog from my garden, enjoying the Essex sunshine. I work from home. Shorter hours, less stress, and earning 25% more. I do not have to be logged on until 9am!
Had it not been for redundancy, I would have had to get up at 5am this morning, hungover, probably still pissed actually! Jump on the Central Line and commute in a boiling hot sardine tin. Battle through a 10 hour day before making the same commute back home.
Working from home is not always great. You can get lonely. I miss the office banter and buzz of winning a deal. But overall my mental health is a lot better.
This year alone I have been to Cairo, Sharm, Munich, Dubrovnik, Riga and Slovenia. I have Malta in October for my 40th and then Prague for Christmas. I would not have done any of these if I were not made redundant.
Last nights England victory deserved a good drink up at the final whistle.
I am not always a huge England fan – I actually prefer our national team playing rugby and cricket. But football does things to our great nation. It brings it together. And it was impossible not to get caught up in last nights celebrations in the pub.
Gareth Southgate is still an average manager in charge of World Class players, and England are in the final despite him, not due to him. But we now back on the boys on Sunday.
And if it all goes well, on Monday morning I will once more be grateful for being redundant.
Never fear change. See redundancy as an opportunity. Back yourself and your ability. Use it as a chance to change your path in life.
Have a great Thursday!
Keenos