please empty your brain below
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Don't worry, I've come to terms with it, and I'll be fine.
diamond geezer | Homepage | 28.04.17 - 7:00 a.m. | #
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More time for extended reports on the welfare of stop M, (between filling in those ridiculous on line cv's that modern HR use for computers to tick their boxes)?
I am sure you will quickly ease in to another job where you are appreciated.
scrumpy | 28.04.17 - 7:08 a.m. | #
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I retired but watched many colleagues take severance (no compulsory redundancy). It was amazing to see how well they did afterwards. With your positive attitude and individual view of the world, you'll be OK.
100andthirty | 28.04.17 - 7:12 a.m. | #
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How about buying an all line rover and having some holidays? A blogpost a day about your roamings would be appreciated.
Caravelle | 28.04.17 - 7:15 a.m. | #
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Bizarre to read this on the day I go into my workplace for the last time. I am being transferrred to another company which is making me redundant immediately. I won't step inside their office but they will issue my redundancy and P45.
Wishing you all the best DG.
| 28.04.17 - 7:15 a.m. | #
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All the very best DG ... time to write the book?
Dan | Homepage | 28.04.17 - 7:19 a.m. | #
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When one door closes another opens, you've got the right mindset to take on any new challenge you want.
Good luck!!!
Rob C | 28.04.17 - 7:21 a.m. | #
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Stunned - hopefully you will find alternative employment soon - if you fancy a possible career as a transport planner drop me a line
John | 28.04.17 - 7:22 a.m. | #
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There's always Bedford
Bert | 28.04.17 - 7:26 a.m. | #
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I wonder if you will have a farewell drink (Becks) on your final day with that company.
How about writing some books, you must have enough material and I am sure they would be good sellers.
I have been in jobs that became redundant twice before, and retired at least three times. Now in my 70's I just enjoy life and my hobbies.
Best wishes.
John | 28.04.17 - 7:31 a.m. | #
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Lots of us have been here DG, another door will open and you will look back and see (as I did) that the new job is even better.
Sara | 28.04.17 - 7:32 a.m. | #
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Can you now confirm if there is a person in your office who reads your blogg and knows you are the author? I hope then you will be presented with your stapler!
Nick | 28.04.17 - 7:35 a.m. | #
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Have you considered Patreon or similar? I'd happily pay a small amount a month to support this blog as a full time endeavour - and I'm sure I'm not the only one...
Luke | 28.04.17 - 7:36 a.m. | #
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All the best DG.
John DLC | 28.04.17 - 7:38 a.m. | #
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Yes, you're right, you will be fine.
In 2009, when I was about four years older than you, I was working for a major UK airline and during the third office reorganisation in six years, I decided that enough was enough and that I was not going to go through the farce of applying for my own job yet again. I took voluntary severance with the aim of seeking another position but never actually got round to it and now I wonder how I ever kept a job down and did everything else as well. You are very talented and I'm sure will be successful in whichever role you decide to take in the future. With very best wishes,
Richard | 28.04.17 - 7:45 a.m. | #
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S**t happens. Good luck with whatever you choose to do next DG.
Luke - I think you are 100% right that there are more than a few folk who would love to support the blog via Patreon or similar.
Kevin | 28.04.17 - 7:48 a.m. | #
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Happened to me twice but, in hindsight, turned out to be fortuitous.
Good luck with everything.
H | 28.04.17 - 7:57 a.m. | #
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Good luck! The same happened to me late last year - this weekend marks six months since I've been in an office. It's worked out well for me, I hope it does for you, too.
Steve | 28.04.17 - 7:58 a.m. | #
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Change is always the possibility of something better. Best of luck to you!
Kate | 28.04.17 - 7:58 a.m. | #
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I'm sure you will be fine, but it is a nasty experience, and London is an expensive place to survive on a reduced income. No doubt a few months of freedom over the summer will be enjoyable. So much to do, so little time.
I went through something similar last April, after being at the same place for 13 years. The Jobs Centre was all but useless, but do register if you are going to look for another job so you get your National Insurance credits if nothing else. Something will come along (perhaps you have something lined up already?).
Good luck for the future.
Andrew | 28.04.17 - 8:01 a.m. | #
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All the best for the future DG
Tim | 28.04.17 - 8:15 a.m. | #
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Well good luck DG.
It's not the end of the world, even if it might feel a bit like it at the moment.
Life will offer new possibilities.
I do hope that you continue the blog.
Michael | 28.04.17 - 8:18 a.m. | #
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Good luck, Diamond Geezer.
Mark | 28.04.17 - 8:24 a.m. | #
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Sorry not to echo the general line of mild-mannered complacency, but does no one here see the horror in the way we are used, our lives exploited to the ends of profit, and then the machine spits us out. IT ISN'T FINE, as sure as I am that DG will survive the experience and gain from it - we are dealing with the results of electing governments that 'want to get rid of red tape (workers' protection)' and I for one would just like to say as a lone voice that it's a f***ing disgrace.
Brian | 28.04.17 - 8:24 a.m. | #
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I became self-employed in 2001 and it was the best decision of my life. Apart from the freedom to choose and tailor my work to suit my lifestyle, I have zero engagement with the horrors of modern HR departments. My HR meetings involve two minutes of talking to myself while shaving...
Waterhouse | 28.04.17 - 8:25 a.m. | #
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Welcome to the club, as they say.
B | 28.04.17 - 8:28 a.m. | #
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Sorry to hear your news,DG, but wishing you the best of luck for the future. I also look forward to reading 'further adventures of DG'.👍🏻👍🏻
Jo W | 28.04.17 - 8:37 a.m. | #
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It may seem that you need to rush to find another job, but some months off would be a good way of getting over the last 4 months which is unpleasant for everyone.
In a few years time you will look back and see this as an opportunity to make some changes, so make the most of it.
cliffh | 28.04.17 - 8:47 a.m. | #
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Good Luck DG and enjou the summer.
John | 28.04.17 - 8:52 a.m. | #
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There's a whole new world out there DG, enjoy it.
After 30 years with the same firm I was made redundant when I was 60. Didnt feel like retiring so after 6 months found a new job in a different field. Best thing I ever did.
Ray
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What ever happens - I wish you financial solvency.
Still anon | 28.04.17 - 9:00 a.m. | #
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Having been in a similar situation in the past as I turned 50, and with an hours notice that I was one of the unlucky (or lucky)ones, I can truly sympathise with your likely mixed feelings today.
The impressive thing is that you have come up with such excellent posts over the period that this has been hanging over your head, and that you can write so dispassionately about it today, this says so much about the quality of your writing.
Hope things get sorted out for you and I look forward to continue reading the blog.
Andy H | 28.04.17 - 9:02 a.m. | #
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Good Luck DG!
Southern Heights (Light Railway) | 28.04.17 - 9:04 a.m. | #
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For anyone who has been through the process, this will be familiar. Anticipation, argument, resolution, elation tinged with a little sadness.
In DG's case any sadness will probably be about the stupidity of people who manage large organisations.
Good luck DG with however next you decide to use your many talents.
Bob L-S | 28.04.17 - 9:10 a.m. | #
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It's a weird feeling to start with but after a while the freedom kicks in. No more bull-shit meetings etc. plenty of time to investigate deserted stations etc.
Rick | 28.04.17 - 9:12 a.m. | #
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I was made redundant albeit with an imediate pension. One of the best days of my life. Now I say to myself "how did I ever get time to go to work".
Boxer | 28.04.17 - 9:14 a.m. | #
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It was one of the best things to happen to me,good luck DG!
Simon | 28.04.17 - 9:16 a.m. | #
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The time period was a little shorter for me:
11am: They come out of a meeting and breezily say to me “Why don't we have lunch together? At the pub?"
I thought it odd.
12:30pm “The accountants were in this morning. They told us we are running out of money. They said we have to make someone redundant. Today is your last day.”
Oh well.
Luckily since then I’ve able to make sure that employers of all kinds need me more than I need them.
Alex Gollner | 28.04.17 - 9:16 a.m. | #
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I, like several other of your readers have been through this process in the past and survived. I'm sure that with your considerable talent you will find a role that you will enjoy and keep you happy. Good luck.
Dave | 28.04.17 - 9:25 a.m. | #
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You'll end up somewhere you would never have gone otherwise.
When my wife was made redundant, we moved to Malta for a year.
Greg S | 28.04.17 - 9:26 a.m. | #
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There must be a job somewhere for a chief inspector of route tiles on London bus stops.
Seriously someone should be looking to employ you asap.
| 28.04.17 - 9:27 a.m. | #
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It's a very unpleasant experience. It would be unreal if if wasn't so real. I hope the silver lining doesn't take too long in coming. Best of luck.
Andy Gryce | 28.04.17 - 9:32 a.m. | #
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This has happened to me three times for reasons outside my control. I was stressed the first time, irritated the second and indifferent the third. Overall, though, each time made me reflective in a positive way, and set out on a new path that has proved mentally uplifting.
That sounds a bit spiritual, doesn't it? Not meant to be. Best wishes
PeteC | 28.04.17 - 9:32 a.m. | #
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It happened to me six years ago when I was a similar age to you. I hated that job but I wasn't ready to be unemployed. In the event I got a new job almost immediately and as you are clearly highly skilled it's likely you will to. I echo what Brian said though that we need to fight like hell to protect workers' rights which are being eroded at every turn. Enjoy your free time and I look forward to hearing what the next chapter brings.
ganching | Homepage | 28.04.17 - 9:34 a.m. | #
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No surprise your private em,ployer wanted to shaft you with your redundency terms.
Wait til we're out the EU and our government starts reducing employee's legal rights....
Agent X | 28.04.17 - 9:36 a.m. | #
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Not fun being made redundant mR DG. Hopefully you'll get something sorted out soon without having to try and survive on the pittance that is JSA.
Agent X | 28.04.17 - 9:37 a.m. | #
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Best of luck with everything. L
Lissy | 28.04.17 - 9:40 a.m. | #
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Glad youre okay
Maybe an opportunity pursue some of those marketing requests... DG.blogspot is a moneymaker
louise | 28.04.17 - 9:50 a.m. | #
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Sorry to hear this, DG. Glad you say you've come to terms with it, and very glad you feel you'll be fine. Best of luck with the next stage.
Pippa | 28.04.17 - 9:52 a.m. | #
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All the best DG.
Robert Taylor | 28.04.17 - 10:04 a.m. | #
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Like many others here, I have been through a similar process, but decided on a change of lifestyle. The best thing that I have ever done. You get to choose what you really want to do, for a change.
Now, perhaps we can look forward to an update on the awkward conversations with the lady in the office, who arrives early. And, in due course you could entertain us with anonymised pen pictures of the other characters that you have worked with, given that none of us know the identity of your employer.
Petras409 | 28.04.17 - 10:04 a.m. | #
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All sounds a bit familiar. After the third reorganisation in three years and being put "in scope" having been told I wouldn't be I decided I'd had enough. I took severance and was fortunate in the scale of the payment and my own financial preparations. I haven't had to throw myself into the arms of another employer so it's a nice relaxing time instead. Have to be careful with money but that's not a massive hardship. The lack of workplace BS and nonsense is also a huge bonus.
As others have said I am sure you will find your feet and do whatever you wish to do. Enjoy the break from the daily commuting crush for as long as you want it to last.
PC | 28.04.17 - 10:07 a.m. | #
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Do a book. Do a book. Do a book!
But, seriously, good luck.
Adam S | 28.04.17 - 10:12 a.m. | #
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All the best in the best of all possible worlds. We are all still here, to read about this and that, and perhaps the odd big update.
Michael T | 28.04.17 - 10:22 a.m. | #
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Good luck for the future, your blog has been a daily ritual since about 2006.
Robert Palmer-Wilson | 28.04.17 - 10:32 a.m. | #
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Good luck DG, I'm sure you'll be fine.
EM | 28.04.17 - 10:36 a.m. | #
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I suspect I know your answer to this one, but you could consider, however you want to do it, making some money out of this blog? I don't think anyone would begrudge some unobtrusive monetisation, and it could easily become your full-time (or at least pay for itself) or even part-time income, meaning even better (??) content for you.
It doesn't mean advertising, it could mean leading some interesting tours to places, publishing a book, offering people the chance to donate... Just a thought. I'm sure a lot of people would be more than happy to ensure the long-term survival of this superb resource. We all know you won't sell your soul for coin, and that's a great thing.
Good luck, whatever the future holds. Enjoy the 'funemployment' as the kids call it, it's a good time of year for it, as you say!
Gav | 28.04.17 - 10:40 a.m. | #
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Best of luck to you. You are a fab writer, that's for sure; your blog is indeed a jewel.
Davieboy | 28.04.17 - 10:46 a.m. | #
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All the very best for the future DG.
Tony | 28.04.17 - 10:50 a.m. | #
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Oh my goodness. All the best for whatever you decide to do.
Antipodean | 28.04.17 - 10:55 a.m. | #
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Hope you get something good soon. It's always a bummer when that happens.
Uncle Audrey | 28.04.17 - 10:58 a.m. | #
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Best wishes DG, it happens to the best of us. Happy to repeat the offer of hospitality if you want to head west and would like to avoid a hotel bill.
RogerB | 28.04.17 - 11:03 a.m. | #
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The first paragraph of Spy Catcher by Peter Wright seems apt:
"For years I had wondered what the last day would be like. In January 1976 after two decades in the top echelons of the British Security Service, MI5, it was time to rejoin the real world."
Christopher Bellew | Homepage | 28.04.17 - 11:05 a.m. | #
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Good luck with your next step DG.
trebor | 28.04.17 - 11:05 a.m. | #
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As above; good luck for the future. Whatever happens, I'm sure you'll do your utmost to make the most of it and keep the tea strong.
I've no idea if you can make a living via blogging but good luck if you do decide to try.
Steve Rochford | 28.04.17 - 11:09 a.m. | #
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I'm stuck by the number of people who've been through redundancy. I haven't, maybe I'm fortunate that in my sector it's still rare, but clearly the world of work is brutal now.
I'm also struct by that lock-out of being at-risk because of the block on committing to the big project. Sounds idiotic at face value (should that be farce value?).
I'm sure that with your obvious talents and multiple interests you'll be fine. You know you are hugely appreciated by your readership.
Tunnel Bore | 28.04.17 - 11:11 a.m. | #
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Dispiriting isn't it, makes you feel kind of worthless at first. Glad you're coming to terms with it and I wish you the best.
Caz | 28.04.17 - 11:15 a.m. | #
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Well it is said that the average person will be made redundant at least twice in their life.
It happened to me in 2011 (job was moved out of London) and whilst it's unnerving, it can have its upsides in the end. I finished that job in June and had a lovely summer.
I hope you had a good pay-off from it all. Reading between the lines, it sounds like you wouldn't have done too badly.
Perhaps Londonist have an opening ;)
Andrew Bowden | Homepage | 28.04.17 - 11:16 a.m. | #
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A repeat of all the above. I've also been there, about a year ago, and survived. Best of British luck, DG. xxxx
Auntie Doris | 28.04.17 - 11:25 a.m. | #
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I am spending the time after my redundancy from local government chasing after small children, but loving it very much. I'm sure your time will be a bit more interesting. Good luck and best wishes. (And yes to google adverts/t shirts/buy you a tea via paypal button etc)
Kathryn | 28.04.17 - 11:39 a.m. | #
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Echoing the comments above.
Hope things work out for you.
With all this free time no doubt the blog will get even better if that is possible.
If you'd ever like to visit Japan you are welcome to stay at our place for free. I know you'd live this place.
Jon Allen | 28.04.17 - 11:48 a.m. | #
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Hope this isn't too insensitive ...
Put on the kettle and make some tea
It's all a part of feeling groovy
Put on your slippers turn on the TV
It's all a part of feeling groovy
It's time to relax, now you've worked your arse off
But the only one smiling is the sun-tanned boss
Work and work you wanna work 'till you die
There's plenty more fish in the sea to fry
Well you did say you were fine with it and come to terms with it.
Good luck.
I'm sure someone of your perspicacity will be fine though.
Lorenzo | 28.04.17 - 11:49 a.m. | #
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I wish you the best of luck and hope you'll be happier than ever with your next occupation.
Joachim | 28.04.17 - 11:56 a.m. | #
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All the best to you, DG - and I'm confident that you'll get it.
I quit a job in which I was very unhappy about 30 months ago, and spent a rather shaky 4 months unemployed, having decided to go down the self-employed route and having my first contract fall through at the last minute. It paid off massively; I ended up with a better contract in March 2015 that continues to roll over to this day, and apart from the usual stresses of work, it's so clearly an objectively better outcome for me that I'm kicking myself for waiting so long.
Whatever happens next, I hope it's similarly a slam-dunk success.
Ben | 28.04.17 - 12:35 p.m. | #
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Been there, done it, still here, but the immediate uncertainty can be unnerving. I would like to raise a serious question. Whatever your exact line of work, you do have an incredible ability to communicate through the written word. You also crave understandable anonymity. If part of your leaving package includes outplacement consultancy advice, do please ask whether owning up to being the author of quite simply the best blog in town is something you should put on the CV if such ability at communication is a key point of your USP.
All the best.
PS Enjoyed the Stapler Grave yard link: reminded me of one the bosses that dumped me. In his previous job before becoming my boss, one night he walked round the entire open plan office of all the clerical staff (100 plus) and confiscated every pencil in excess of one per desk. Was I happy to be rid of such an ****hole!
Julian | 28.04.17 - 1:00 p.m. | #
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Take care.
James | 28.04.17 - 1:08 p.m. | #
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Paradoxically, you've probably ended up with a better redundancy payment than had your role remained with the public-sector employer: recent years have seen a substantial reduction of severance payments, meaning your retained rights may well have greater monetary value.
Whatever, enjoy your time whilst you discover what you wish to do with the next stage of your life!
shirokazan | 28.04.17 - 1:09 p.m. | #
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Had this happen to me twice. What I do remember was the feeling of "otherworldness" when walking around town...seeing all those other people still employed on their way to/fro work or on their lunch-breaks. Anyways, as they say; chin-up ol chap.
Grumpy Anon | 28.04.17 - 1:32 p.m. | #
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Oh, what rotten luck. Been there done that, got the T-shirt back in '92: a so-caller merger was really a takeover by some cowboys who wanted the clients but not the staff, and who were then themselves taken over. I still remember the call 'Mr BigWig is in the building this morning and he'd like to see you at 11:45'.
Newish mega-mortgage, massive recession, lots of sleepless nights wondering what would happen if they sold the house for half what I paid and I ended up with just a fiver to show for it all. I was dreading signing on for benefits, but they were brilliant. But I look at the world a bit differently now; less of 'On your bike', and when seeing a homeless person I often wonder whether they were once successful but suddenly the perfect storm of illness/divorce/unemployment etc came along.
With your skills you'll certainly find something else, and it helps that you won't have to spend a fortune selling up and moving. However, do be prepared to submit umpteen applications in parallel, some of which may not even be acknowledged. In my case after about 90 applications it was number 66 that succeeded !
In the meantime, don't hesitate to claim every penny to which you are entitled - you've paid massive taxes and NI all these years, so now it's payback time.
All the very best.
Gerry | 28.04.17 - 1:38 p.m. | #
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Looks like the market has some problems... I have a family member who got the sack not long ago (though not reached last day yet).
All the best and hopefully more blogs in the short term?
Patrickov | 28.04.17 - 1:50 p.m. | #
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We've all been there. Don't forget to enjoy the time off!
Thomas | 28.04.17 - 2:04 p.m. | #
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The same thing, almost word for word, happened to me just over a year ago, the 5th time in my career. It's always been a brutal experience but despite that I've always done fairly well out of it each time. This time, with my age soon ticking over a magic number and 10 years service at the company with a better than average reputation it dawned on me that I don't need to work any more; I've retired by accident, which kind of sums up my whole career.
Take stock, follow some personal projects & invest in your skills. Use your network remorselessly. Do what you have to and if that means a blog might be slightly delayed then we'll all understand.
RogerTCB | 28.04.17 - 2:13 p.m. | #
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Oh my goodness.
The axe finally fell on my husband at a similar age to you, and resulted in a trans-Atlantic move back to the UK. Not ideal up-rooting a bunch of teens in the middle of their schooling, but it's worked out for the best.
I'm hoping the "no job to go to" is through choice, but if not, finger's crossed something better comes along soon - preferably in pairs, like buses!
@Brian |8:24 a.m.| I totally agree, and it's only going to get worse.
Cornish Cockney | 28.04.17 - 2:16 p.m. | #
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Wow. Sorry to hear about your redundancy dg.
I hope you get something sorted soon.
All the best. Try to have a good weekend.
Rob Healy | 28.04.17 - 2:25 p.m. | #
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Their loss I have no doubt. Your gain I very much hope. Good luck dg.
Sarah | Homepage | 28.04.17 - 2:30 p.m. | #
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I read y're blog post every day
A highlight, I am bound to say
'Tis sad y're job has gone away
But ye'll find another, nae doot.
W.T. McGonagall | 28.04.17 - 2:44 p.m. | #
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Good luck, I was made redundant in 2013 after 11 years in the same job and a initially panicked because the job market had changed so much but I took a few months to sort myself out and have been in my current position for nearly 3 years
Rachel | 28.04.17 - 3:25 p.m. | #
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Good luck!
I really enjoy this blog, its one of only two I read (the other is to do with football). They say there is a book in all of us and I definitely think there is a book in DG, a rather good one too. I'm not one to tell you what to do with your time, but I think you should consider it. What with crowd funding currently in vogue for such projects you may be able to get it off the ground easily too.
Whatever you do, good luck for the future!
SD | 28.04.17 - 4:03 p.m. | #
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Onwards and upwards old fruit.
We await developments...
... which are bound to be good.
drD | Homepage | 28.04.17 - 4:04 p.m. | #
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Good luck. Happened to me in the 90's (Property) and the 00's (Telecoms). I and many others I talked to found signing-on a very demoralising experience even though it only lasted twenty minutes a fortnight. And these days there's a risk you'll be sent off to work for free at Tesco or Sports Direct or something, soaking up time you need for looking for a job, life, and writing DG's Definitive Guide to the Hidden Rivers of London.
seven dials | Homepage | 28.04.17 - 4:18 p.m. | #
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All the best, dg- onwards and upwards!
| 28.04.17 - 4:25 p.m. | #
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All the best for whatever the future brings you DG. I have a feeling it's gonna be fantastic.
Cxx
Chris | 28.04.17 - 5:07 p.m. | #
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I can echo the good wishes offered by every commentor up to now.
But I won't add any advice - I'm sure it's all well meant, but I think you are grown-up enough to make up your own mind among all the possibilities suggested here, those given by the HR sidekick, and the many others you can dream up for yourself.
Malcolm | 28.04.17 - 6:59 p.m. | #
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You've never been one of them. You're one of us. Perhaps even more so now.
Enjoy the trip; returns are not accepted on this journey. Route liable to change without notice.
HoosierSands | 28.04.17 - 7:10 p.m. | #
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Long may you continue to brighten our days, DG.
Local Lad | 28.04.17 - 7:13 p.m. | #
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Best of luck, DG.I'm sure one of the other commenters has said this already, but I'm pretty sure you could make a good living as a writer.
James Webber | 28.04.17 - 7:18 p.m. | #
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Best wishes and good luck with whatever you decide to do next.
solar penguin | 28.04.17 - 7:37 p.m. | #
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Good luck. Like many others here I was made redundant, after 20 years, but now enjoy my new job far more than the old one, which I should have left far sooner.
Andy V | 28.04.17 - 7:53 p.m. | #
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Good luck DG.
How did the day go?
Looks like we'll have some different stats in next year's Count.
TimW | 28.04.17 - 8:25 p.m. | #
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Good luck DG! I will miss your observations about work. I don't blame you if you decide to monetise your blog or make us pay a subscription to view it or bring out a line of DG merchandise.
Hikki | 28.04.17 - 8:32 p.m. | #
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Good Luck.
Big Al | 28.04.17 - 8:45 p.m. | #
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Time to move onto the next branch on your tree of life. You will feel liberated - once the feeling of (false) rejection fades.
I couldn't help but notice that your posts had become rather mechanical of late, and it is to your massive credit that you've kept your wonderful enterprise going through this most difficult of times.
And, due to circumstances, I did not read your entry this morning (I am now on a train to Llandudno - weekend family birthday jaunt). And, it gives me great pleasure to take the number of comments to 101 - remarkable.
Enjoy your time of change. It's taken me eight years, but I'm finally happy in my new career...
Ken | 28.04.17 - 9:09 p.m. | #
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(/lurk mode)
Very, very sorry to hear about this, DG.
Unfortunately this is a sign of the times everywhere - as a result of a massive restructure in our head office, we've had to say goodbye to some of our colleagues today as well. The company will now turn its attentions to the other offices, which could mean we may be at risk ourselves - only time will tell.
I do hope you get another job soon, or whatever you wish to do. I wish you the best of luck and success in the future. Please keep us informed.
(lurk mode)
| 28.04.17 - 9:10 p.m. | #
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Congratulations on reaching a century of comments on your piece today.
I remember being made redundant with two thirds of my colleagues all on the same day when the bank pulled the plug on our employer. All those projects and meetings were all stopped mid sentencedHowever there was a good raid on the stationary cupboard and portable office hardware.
Why not attend all those nonsensical marketing events you are emailed about and live off their canapes? Then create a new blog called the diamond geezerist to satisfy your new friends with gin palaces and cereal cafes under a railway arch in Shoreditch or the formerly dumpy parts of Kings Cross.
kissenme | 28.04.17 - 9:10 p.m. | #
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All the best, I was made redundant by Company A in 2007 I've had four jobs since then including my current job and two of those have been with Company A as a contractor earning me than a permie. My current role which I obtained aged 59 years and 9 mths is with company A!
Graham | 28.04.17 - 9:24 p.m. | #
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It's never good, however much you know it's them and not you. Good luck.
Andrew | 28.04.17 - 9:25 p.m. | #
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DG should get a box number so that we can send our long overdue subscription cheques.
PO BOX M, London E3 would do nicely !
Gerry | 28.04.17 - 9:38 p.m. | #
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Echo many others above: when made redundant for the second time, 25 years ago, it was the kick I needed to go freelance. Took a couple of years to get up to speed, but never regretted it or missed corporate life. Now fully retired and just enjoying life.
Good luck, I'm sure you'll keep us informed!
Keith | 28.04.17 - 10:03 p.m. | #
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I always used to tell them at the office that they were lucky to see me, because I really did not have the time to be there at all.
You can now prove to yourself how true this really is. And, do you know, you can live much more cheaply without the cost of the daily commute, packed lunches, work clothes and so on. You have the time to do your own odd jobs, find out the cheapest prices, stay in when you feel like it, and, best of all to be sociable because now you will have the time for other people.
Enjoy!
Temp | 28.04.17 - 10:04 p.m. | #
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Sorry to hear your news - wishing you all the best in the days to come - I'm sure you'll find something more fulfilling. Thanks for your daily digest.
Dave B | 28.04.17 - 10:13 p.m. | #
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I am afraid I must disagree with Ken. Rereading the last seven days, each has been classic DG. All the best for the future, as long as you continue to feed our habit.
N (daily reader since 2006)
Novaelius | 28.04.17 - 10:28 p.m. | #
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I thought you seemed to be spending a lot of time travelling - was it gardening leave? Like many others, it happened to me too, and have much less money, and much more time commuting, but happier. All the best for a different future.
Half a physicist | 28.04.17 - 10:34 p.m. | #
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Any enterprise that ‘loses’ someone of DG’s ability must be controlled by half-wits. Best of luck, DG. I’m sure you will soon find (have already investigated?) a congenial way of earning a steady income.
Great Aunt Annie | 28.04.17 - 10:37 p.m. | #
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Is this a record number of comments? I hope you feel suitably encouraged. All the best.
Andrew S | 28.04.17 - 10:51 p.m. | #
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So sorry to read this. I echo all the best wishes and hope you get a good outcome like many above.
However, having a major part of the stability in your life taken away in uncertain time like these is still really shitty. You are allowed to be angry and resentful, while you enjoy the new control over you time!
RosemaryT | 28.04.17 - 11:27 p.m. | #
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@novelius. Whilst there have been a preponderance of travel blogs ofate, my comment was to do with DG's lack of enthusiasm as I perceived.
It was obvious to me that DG's routine had been altered, and, in hindsight, he chose to take accumulated annual leave as holidays (in whatever proportion) rather than sit in the office being being bored, even more credit for doing this.
My comment was specifically to do with how DG engages with his commenters, and, to me, there was a spark missing: I just felt that sonwthing was up. Also, his write ups were a bit flat and lacking his ever so wry sense of humour.
I even was concerned enough to think about writing to him, but he us an intensively private person (hi, best mate), so I deferred, and now events have taken over.
Ken | 28.04.17 - 11:49 p.m. | #
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You're not helping, Ken.
diamond geezer | Homepage | 28.04.17 - 11:51 p.m. | #
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Aha!! Link to Great Auntie Annie to "stapler graveyard" in 2012.
Now there is a fan. And that blog is also a great read recommended.........
scrumpy | 29.04.17 - 12:23 a.m. | #
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As you started the job in the public sector you may have some entitlement to enhanced pension rights on redundancy. Were these included in the deal?
Bryn Davies | 29.04.17 - 1:24 a.m. | #
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Sorry to hear, DG. Best wishes on your next endeavour.
Jackal | 29.04.17 - 3:10 a.m. | #
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27 months ago I was advised I was "in scope" during the umpteenth corporate reorganisation, that was really another naked cull of people. I was advised - via a nod & wink - that I "would be okay". Lucky me..
My reward was to have double the number of people to manage, twice as large a geographic area to manage.. and no prospect of a salary review or uplift.
The subsequent discussion I had with HR and the boss' boss was one of the most satisfying and empowering of my entire career! To watch their jaws drop as I explained why opting for voluntary redundancy was preferable to being one of "the lucky ones" was tremendous fun.
This weekend I celebrate 2 years of freedom from corporate rules and organisational bullshit. Never happier.
Good luck, work through the inevitable period of mourning, then embrace the new normal. Best wishes.
Frank F | 29.04.17 - 7:52 a.m. | #
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A belated note of condolence.
I took voluntary redundancy from my journalism job just over two years ago. A group of us had to. It was voluntary on good terms or compulsory on crap terms. No contest.
I have another job (not journalism) but miss the old life dreadfully.
A part of me died when I left that place.
Chris | 29.04.17 - 10:03 a.m. | #
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Good luck! Been through it a few times.
Did they make you actually work until the end? I had my meeting with HR then was put on immediate gardening leave, walked straight out of the building, just a few minutes to grab personal stuff from my desk.
Have done some contracting work since. Not sure I could now endure the endless office politics of full time employment!
We know you guard your privacy but loads of us on here have been through this so if you need tips and advice, do ask us.
IslandDweller | 29.04.17 - 10:52 a.m. | #
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Good luck.
At the risk of sounding deeply mercenary, I hope you have trousered an enormous pay off.
Ned | 29.04.17 - 2:46 p.m. | #
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@ Frank F - your remark about empowering discussion reminds me of my chat with my then boss. He was full of "this is what you must do in your application etc etc". And I said "what application?". You could have cut the air with a knife. There was no expectation that I would opt to go but in the end it felt better to be in control rather than "being done to" by the process which would have been financially worse for me. It was a tough decision and stressful at the time but I'm clear it was for the best.
PC | 29.04.17 - 8:06 p.m. | #
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DG sorry only just got that. Its a shitty world and a shitty way to treat loyal capable people. I hate the phrase "human resources" rather than "people". Good luck in whatever you do next, and enjoy the inter regnum.
I enjoy every word you write, even about that bloody bus stop. I'd welcome more, and I know you are not keen on the idea, but I would pre order any book with your name on it.
Ian Brooker | 02.05.17 - 1:14 p.m. | #
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