All change

Change is good. Probably the best thing that'll happen to me. I'll be fine. It's just the shove you need. These are the first things that people tell you when you announce that you've been made redundant. This is what has happened to me.

I've been with my last employer, Brufords of Exeter, for just over 19 years, but in March I was given the news that the business was to close after 115 years trading due to redevelopment of the Guildhall Shopping Centre where the business was based. Well that was a shock. I had suspicions of course, but the confirmation, that was a different thing all together. I had sold people their engagement rings, wedding rings, eternity rings, Christening presents for their children and just recently an 18th birthday present. I'd been through all the landmarks of their lives. No more.

All of the staff worked through a pretty rigorous closing down sale for about 6 weeks and managed to clear all but 3 small pieces of stock. Then the clear out began. All of the "come in handy bits" and surplus display, packaging and everything else was thrown out and recycled where possible. Then packing up the final bits and pieces to move to an office for the winding down of the business.

What now? What do I do? in the local area (Devon) there aren't any full time positions available for me and the multiples think I'm taking the mick when I apply and they see my CV. What can I do that will keep me interested? How can I combine all of my skills and knowledge? I'm jewellery through and through, I love this trade and I don't want to leave it. People think that my redundancy package is enough to set up a shop of my own. They seem surprised when I tell them how much it is likely to cost.

Well, I think self employment is the only option. I want to keep my plan slightly fluid so I can adapt as needed. I have a few ideas but I'll keep you posted.

Take care,
Damian