I am based in the UK, if you didn’t guess already
Unfortunately, due to circumstances outside my control I will most likely be out of work soon. So am faced with the decision as to what to do. As far as being out of work, this is down to the company deciding yet again we need to get rid of staff. As I wanted to take a break from work I am thinking maybe this is not such a bad thing for me. Money isn’t an issue as I live at home and InshaAllah can get through a few months with the payout I get.
Voluntary redundancy would allow me to take some time off work and get a break from things, however there are a couple of issues that come to mind which I could do with some advice on.
1/ If I do take this route, I would like to take a month off before I start looking for work, but is this a good way of doing things? Will it be possible to find work if I take a break like that or would it be better off to wait and see if I am put forward for compulsory redundancy and then take things from there (bearing in mind even if i stay the opportunities to progress within the company, are small if not non-existant)
2/ The other option I have is to go for voluntary and then look to do some volunteering work part time with some charity or else look to get some work experience with an IT firm but non-paid. My primary objective being to gain skills and at the same time not be sitting on my butt doing nothing. However, with this process I have no idea where to look or if I take the latter route, even whether this is a feasible idea.
so basically you are either going to be let go, or will leave eventually yourself, since the opportunities for advancement are not there?
do you want to stay in the same field?
how long do you think until they involuntary redundancy hits you? how long have you been at the current company and in the current position?
Its said that its always easier tofind a job while you are employed. I dont know how accurate that is or if it just feels that way because you are not stressed about getting a job soon.
1/ I go for voluntary
2/ Am made compulsory redundant
(either of above probably before xmas)
3/ Or I leave in next few months anyway as chances of advancement/promotion are small, and even if I was given the chance, would need to move out of London which isn't what I want to do.
I definately want to stay in same field, preferably getting into the routing/networking side of things eventually
I have been at the current role for about 18 months, and with this particular company in its various guises over 4 years, hence it really is time to move on.
I have been looking but dont know how much chance I have of getting a job asap, but yeah what you mentioend about in theory it being easier to get a job when employed then unemployed is what makes me slightly nervous about the whole thing.
also look at how the job market is there for your skills at ceratin times of the year. 4th qtr usually is not the best for job hunting. although many companies do their annual planning and have more resources in the budget which they can go hire in 1st qtr of next year. Sometimes its helpful to start looking arounf NOv-Dec and letting recruiters know that you are willing to wait until Jan for the right job or to get an offer but not start until mid Jan.
Being employed while you are looking may be helpful for salary negotiations as well.
I am not well versed in the techie job mkt in the UK especially with the current job market situations, but thats my 2 pence :)
Sorry for the slow reply thanks Fraudia for your advice:)
Thought I would give you guys an update. I have decided to go for voluntary redundancy, InshaAllah will get accepted and leave at end of the month.
Needed a break for ages so decided to take this as an opportunity to do this. I am the type of person who never takes risks. This time decided, hell with it. :D
Just relax. Have some nice time during Eid & X-mas. The best time to search job from mid January. Job market in London is getting better but still the money companies are offering is significantly low - but worth getting the work if you are out of work for a while.
I woukd tend to disagree with Najim on the job hunting timing. The annual planning is done by the end of the year, in a few cases it may pour into early january for the final say but although companies can not bring new people on board until January or even Feb, as long as you let them know that you are willing to wait and are okay with getting a job offer in December and not starting until Late Jan, it will work.
Most ppl follow the approach of starting job searches in January. so the volume of resumes and all is high, consequently competition as well as just overall probability of having your resume being seen and evaluated decreases.
I would suggest the follwoing approach. target companies where you know people. They may not always know what specific positions will be filled, but they know which groups are hiring. You can tailor the resume to that company and that group and send it to a specific recruiter and follow up. This puts you ahead in the queue of applicants. the goal is to have your resume in the hiring manager's hand before the onslaught of resumes from everyone in mid jan.
This approach has worked for a few ppl including myself in the past. Europe may be different so keep that in perspective.
