Redundancy - Seize the Opportunity

The world of work is constantly changing and despite how hard you work, more people nowadays are faced with redundancy as part of a cost cutting exercise. This usually means trying to find an equivalent job at the same salary, although when the economy in, or recovering from, recession, it often ends up with taking a lesser-paid job in order to continue paying the mortgage and bills. However, some people view redundancy as an opportunity for a career change, particularly those who have already been at work for over 20 years. The thought of continuing to do the same type of work for possibly another 30 years, especially with the prospect of having to work to nearly 70, brings home the idea that there must be a better alternative to the normal '9 to 5' of a work life.Some people take the opportunity to move and start a new life; but sometimes, because of family commitments or money this is not an option, and although the desire for a new way of working combined with an income remains it is not always obvious how to proceed.Facing redundancy myself, I decided to take this opportunity in order to work for myself at home. This gives me the opportunity to work the hours I choose on the days I choose, and to fit my work around my life. This might mean working a shorter day all week or maybe working fewer, longer days - imagine a 3 or 4 day weekend every week. Remember, that if you work from home there is no commuting, so remember if you have a one hour journey each way you are giving yourself an additional 10 hours a week. You may also choose to work two or more completely different jobs in a week giving you variety of work and experiences.Although being made redundant is always stressful, it can be an opportunity to take a step back from your daily life and assess not only where it is going, but also if it is going where you want it to and you are living the type of life you would like. Striking a work/life balance that gives you greater enjoyment from life can mean less money but greater time. What we often loose sight of from a personal prospective is that time is money, and having time to pursue personal interests can be as, if not more, rewarding than a large pay rise.Whatever path you decide to take, I wish you every success for the future and remember, if you work for yourself, only you can make yourself redundant.