Redundancy Forced Me to Make a Career Change

Redundancy is no longer the great disappointing stigma is used to be, as more and more of us have to deal with at least one redundancy at some point in our lives. Indeed, for many people, Redundancy can actually be an exciting time in their lives – especially if it comes with a decent pay out.

This is what happened to Avram Martin, a 46-year-old architectural draftsman.

Avram told us, “I had worked as a specialist architectural draftsman for over 20 years – since I left college. My particular expertise was to draw detailed 3D visuals for highly technical commercial architecture projects and I had worked up to quite a high level. I really enjoyed my work and was in demand, but I was also aware that newly developed computer programmes were likely to offer a cheaper alternative to many of the projects I worked.

"The architectural practice I worked for was able to charge a high price for my services to their clients, but I could tell that I would be less and less in demand as the programme capabilities improved, which was happening at an alarming rate.”

Offered Voluntary Redundancy

Therefore, it came as no surprise when Avram was offered voluntary redundancy, including a sizeable pay off and help with Retraining or help finding another role.

He continued, “The practice could see that my role was likely to reduce and so they offered me voluntary redundancy, rather than waiting a couple of years and having to let me go. I felt like they treated me very fairly and I was happy to accept the offer.”

Avram had thought for some time about what he would do if he no longer worked as an architectural draftsman and was pleased to be able to have time to consider what to do next.

He explained, “I had come to terms with being made redundant long before it happened, so I was lucky that it didn’t hit me in a negative way. Actually, I really enjoyed having some time to think without worrying about money for a while. However, I was determined not to squander the money and use it to secure a future for me and my wife. We have one son who has finished university and is in a well-paid job and we have paid off our mortgage, so we didn’t need to consider too much financial responsibility.”

Using Skills in a Fresh Way

As part of his redundancy package, Avram was able to spend time talking to a Career Advisor, who gave him space to think about how to Use His Skills in a fresh way.

Avram told us, “She really helped me to appreciate what aspects of my job I wanted to continue in the future. I realised how much I loved the creative aspect of drawing and how I missed one to one contact with clients. I had designed and made a necklace for my wife for her birthday and I happened to mention this to the career advisor. This started an idea and it lead me to set up my own small jewellery design studio and I love talking to clients and designing the perfect piece. It would have never happened if I hadn’t been made redundant, but I’m happier than ever in my second career.”

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