What I did before
I'd been in the automotive industry (23 years in total!) beginning with a manufacturing apprenticeship, through engineering related functions to sales & marketing,  all the time developing my core competence of project management,  more latterly in IT.

What I'm doing now
Working as a senior project manager in the Professional Services Division of a global software company,  responsible for all aspects of hardware and software implementation and change management.

If you'd told me 5 years ago I'd be working in the HealthCare,  Fashion,  Food & Beverage,  Local Government and Manufacturing & Distribution Industries and have travelled further and wider than before,  I guess I may not have really been all that surprised,   though,

needless to say,  I would have preferred doing great stuff for MG and Rover!  There the training and development opportunities available were top drawer,  so I used this coupled with experience to develop my skill set as best as I could.  This proved very beneficial in finding new role(s) in the years which followed.

Top tips I'd pass on to someone else facing redundancy

• It's a Shock!  It is OK to feel sorry for yourself, but get over it quickly or you'll be into a vicious circle,  but,  do allow yourself that time,  but don't dwell
• 'Set out your Stall' or Vision for where you want to be, plan for what you're going to do and the things you don't want to do
• Research new opportunities and use and extend your network of contacts
• Be pro-active; in many cases you are the creator of your own destiny
• Use it as a catalyst to change other things in your life like diet and well-being
• Develop a can do attitude and approach.

Single best memory from my job
Working with great people in a great industry.

 
Biggest things I've learned

• You are actually better than you think you are
• See Redundancy as an Opportunity not a Threat
• The realisation that typically this could happen to you again, so be prepared
• Your career may take more turns, you can end up in a better place
• It's best for you to be in control