Today I was made redundant

Liddle Noodnik · Feb 28, 2008

Hi,
I have been working in a senior management position in a home health company.
Today I was called into the CEO's office and informed that my position had been made redundant, effectively immediately. I was given a redundancy package (quite generous) and I had 1 hour to clear my desk and leave.
It is now 4 hours since that time, and I am sitting at home.
I find myself reflecting that I can once again choose which direction to go. I have extensive clinical experience in home health, perioperative and renal nursing and I have management experience in all.
I could go back to one of these fields, in either a clinical field or a management field or...?
I have been a nurse for 30 years, do I really want to keep doing this till I retire?
I feel that being made redundant has made me examine what I want my future to be.
What I am really pondering is to go back and study to be a high school teacher.
What do you all think?

THIS IS AMAZING!!

Was this a total surprise or did you see it coming? It's really neat to see how you are looking at this as possibly a GOOD thing - rather than feeling resentful.

If you did decide to go back to school to be a teacher - well why not!!! You are just a spring chickie :)

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 28, 2008

I think it is great that you can use this opportunity to chart your own course for the next phase of your life. I suggest taking a few days to letting it all sink in before making any decisions.

Good luck to you -- whatever you decide. I think I am a little jealous. I feel trapped in my job.

joannep · Feb 28, 2008

Was this a total surprise or did you see it coming? It's really neat to see how you are looking at this as possibly a GOOD thing - rather than feeling resentful.

I sort of saw it coming, I wasn't totally surprised.

My brother was made redundant a few years ago, and I learnt from him that if it ever happened to me to use it as a positive rather than a negative.:nuke:

Liddle Noodnik · Feb 28, 2008

I sort of saw it coming, I wasn't totally surprised.
My brother was made redundant a few years ago, and I learnt from him that if it ever happened to me to use it as a positive rather than a negative.:nuke:

Ah! thank your brother, that's great!

I agree w/ previous poster, TAKE YOUR TIME but - don't stifle your dreams either. I talk myself out of NUMEROUS things - and I know when I'm old I will regret that!

helper T cell · Feb 28, 2008

You are young compared to me. I just started my nursing career at age of 51. Was a commercial fisherman for 23 years, ski instructor, laborer. I loved going back to school and feel lucky that I am able to have a new passion. Plus family mostly grown and there isn't as much other things to take away from my job and all of the constant new learning opportunities. Either way if you stay in nursing or go into teaching it will be a new adventure and learning experience. I also admire your positive attitude about what happened. Myself I am wondering if I should pursue my BSN. Good luck!!!

Grace Oz · Feb 28, 2008

G'day Joanne!

Ah mate, it's their bloody loss!

Only cowards pull a stunt like this. Immediate redundancy. If they were even remotely professional, they'd have forewarned you.

GOOD FOR YOU taking a positive view and seeing this as a gift!!! It IS!

Take your time, mull over your options. Investigate the possibility of becoming a teacher. Why not consider teaching nursing at TAFE? Y'know, the EN programme.

Whatever you do, DO NOT allow this to drag you down. If you feel yourself dipping, PM me. I can always phone and we can chat.

Remember: "When one door closes, somewhere a window opens." :)

Take care!

Cheers............

EmmaG, RN · Feb 28, 2008

Today I was called into the CEO's office and informed that my position had been made redundant, effectively immediately. I was given a redundancy package (quite generous) and I had 1 hour to clear my desk and leave.

And yet we have nurses being criminally charged for quitting without notice...

But to heck with 'em, their loss!

I love your attitude :)

Good luck hun!

lorilou22RN · Feb 28, 2008

Very sorry for your trouble. I think that if you want to go back to school to become a teacher is WONDERFUL, and you should do it!!!!!! GOOD LUCK.

mrsalby · Feb 28, 2008

Congratulations on such a great out look... But consider one thing! Why not become a Nursing instructor and fulfill your teaching desires from that angle. Possibly be easier to start with less schooling with all of your experience!

linzz · Feb 28, 2008

I think if teaching is your passion, you should do that. Here in Canada, if you have a degree, teachers college is only one year long, maybe two if you decide you need to do a masters. My child was not doing well in school about two years ago and them he got a teacher that really turned things around for him and he is now getting great marks and has his confidence back. There is always a need for teachers that like to teach. Good luck to you.

Dixiecup · Feb 28, 2008

Ok, at the risk of looking stupid. What is redundant? I've never heard this term before?