Well the global credit crunch has reached Cherokee Mansions.

I've been laid off, along with 500 others. Apparently another 7,500 will go in the next few weeks. A once proud company disintegrating in front of my eyes.

They've been very nice about things. Still being paid, got given a very nice stack of cash (we'll have no financial worries for a few years), all legal bills covered, he's a firm that will help you get another job etc.

Why do I still feel "funny" about the whole thing? Any advice others can give me?

I've got a plan that can go into effect in September 2008, but need to keep myself busy and out of trouble until then!

Sorry to hear you have lost your job as I don't like to see anyone out of work.

From the sounds of things you're very lucky you had employers that are prepared to keep a look out for work for you.

That would not happen with the majority of aviation employers. You may get a month's pay, they would ride off into the sunset, and appear a few years later under a different name ready to shaft another lot of hopefuls.

It is going to get a lot worse I am afraid. Who's job is safe? That is the question.

Age 35 - some cash to tide you over.

You'll survive!

I got made redundant in 01 - age 50 - how sexy was that?

Took me seventeen months to get back on the merry go round - on my terms - and I haven't looked back since

Sod the greasy pole climbers - Sod the seven day weekers.

I work how I want, where I want, and because I am confident in what I do I can see right through the worst element of the (property) profession that I work in as it weaves its mumbo jumbo spells.

The very best of luck - use your contacts - use your skills - the only way is up! (still driving my Cherokee)

Without sounding flippant, you'll be fine........

Happened to me back in 1990 - right after Saddam invaded Kuwait and my employer 'lost' all its contracts there. There is the inevitable 'why me?' feeling, but the main thing is to focus on your future and don't dwell on what is past.

Like you, I got a decent pay-off. Thought about blowing it, but used it to go on a F/T course to finish some professional exams I'd been putting off for 3 years. 8 months later got a better job paying over 40% more and never looked back. With hindsight it was unpleasant when it happened but overall a good thing. There is also a truism that most times there are very few good people on the market.

The only L/T effect is that it made me much more mercenary. I'm no longer prepared to wait for 'jam tomorrow'. If things are not 100% right at the start, I will not sign a contract. I also leave for something better without guilt - it's a two-way street.

Good luck!

sue your contacts

The old man means Use your skills. :E

Seriously though, didn't you just have a baby? Take the time off to enjoy spending this time with them. Work will be there for you later. Enjoy some special time and good luck. :ok:

Lucky so and so. Still being paid, cash sum and all that free time? Enjoy yourself without the slavery of work for a few months. Have a holiday, relax, and consider doing a course and trying something different with your life. I hear being a plumber in London these days is a worthy (and well paid) profession! So - plumbing course and Polish language...

Happened to me a few years ago. I had a couple of months off, travelled a little, then completely changed career. Never looked back.

Redundancy can be a wonderful opportunity to make a new start. Happened to me and I echo what er340790 says about becoming more mercenary. A chance to start living life on your terms. If something ain't right, ditch it.

Nice one daughter of mine! - you could have tipped me off!

Just you wait!

See - a lifetime of stress and toil and that's the respect you get!