Made redundant today - upset but trying to be positive

[ditzygirl]

Employment Support Allowance is an option - but claiming it is nigh on impossible - lol.

[allergyphobia]

so sorry to hear this Nic

absolute shock and worry for you, dunno wat you did before but my gosh look what you have created here, i wonder what this could start for you, just the beginning!

you're an inspiration, be strong and when you can't be we're all here for the journey xxx

[tracey c]

Sorry to hear this Nic - hang on in there, I'm sure there will be loads more opportunities for you x

[nomorepanic]

I finished work yesterday - had some fantastic presents from the people at work and it was really touching

It feels weird that I no longer have the routine in my life of getting up, going to work, coming home etc etc.

I won't miss the job but I will miss the people so much - they have been fantastic to me and I have some good friends for life there.

Not sure what I am going to do now. I have plans to decorate a few rooms in the house so that will keep me busy and active for a few weeks/months.

I guess I need to "sign on" next week as well to get my NI contributions paid so need to sort that out.

Thanks for all the support anyway - it is much appreciated.

[JaneC]

It's really strange at first when you lose the routine Nic but doing some decorating is a great idea. I've just got back to doing a bit off and on after CFS stopped me for a few years and it can be really satisfying.

Just to say again on benefits - if you have been paying NI I'm almost certain you will be able to receive contributions-based Jobseekers Allowance for up to six months. It's not a huge amount of money but take it while it's there.

You never know what might turn up though. I started getting a day's work a week pretty soon after I was paid off, that turned into two and then built into a fairly steady (if precarious) three. It's not ideal but I'm not really fit for full-time work so it hasn't turned out too badly. Take care x

[nomorepanic]

Thanks Jane

It hasn't really sunk in yet but I am also kind of excited that the world is my oyster now.

I won't work full time again cos of the Crohn's and the heart attack but I am going to try and go to more cardiac exercise classes and get fit and healthy again at least.

I am very independant and running NMP costs over £60 a month and although Alex has offered to pay this for me I want to be able to do it myself so may need to ask for some donations soon but we are ok for now. I hate asking people to donate as I know that none of us are rich lol

I just need to work out now what I REALLY want to do with my life.

[ditzygirl]

Nic, take some time to think about your future. You need to come to terms with what has happened and in my experience things have a habit of working themselves out.

Could you Temp for a bit - I have always enjoyed temping and certainly here there is a lot of part time temp work around.

What ever you decide try and enjoy the new chapter in your life - it may be weird at first by you and your health is the most important thing ever.

big hugs xxx

[Magic]

Hi Nicola, I'm sure the jobs you intend to do now that you are at home will keep you busy--but remember not to over do it.A bit at a time please.XXX

[Veronica H]

So sorry to hear this. I hope when you have come throught the shock, that you will find a better opportunity waiting out there Nic.

Veronicax

[StarryBlueGal]

Glad that you are doing positive things with your life. I don't know what to do with my life and I am trying to find voluntary work, and it's not very easy to do. I am looking for something to do with my life, and I hate staying at home a lot.

Glad that you are taking positive steps with your life - decorating your house and trying to do something every day - I am trying to do this. But I sometimes feel bored - but I know I will get there.

Starry xx