How to get over not being given a job and the ongoing consequences

[Undervaluedandsad]

I work in a small department, due to reorganisation there were too many at my level. We were all interviewed and I was the one who lost out. I now have to work at a lower grading, although for the time being keep my pay, the idea being if anyone leaves I get their job. It is highly unlikely anyone will leave for 10+ years.

I have been in this role for 10 years and was given no indication there were any problems with my ability. Feedback is that although I interviewed well, others were better. I work part time whereas the others are full time, and personally think this was the major factor.

I am devastated. I feel totally undervalued and worry I have lost the respect of my colleagues. I can't see a way forward other than to leave. There are no jobs in my profession locally so I will have to retrain. We had planned to move this year but have had to put everything on hold.

So, my questions are: has anyone managed to feel positive about themselves/their career after a similar incident?
Should I start planning for a new career?

[mrsmugoo]

No advice sorry m, but the exact same thing happened to me and I jumped at the chance of voluntary redundancy right at the end of the period where my pay would have gone down to the lower grade.

Shit situation isn't it?

[Undervaluedandsad]

Redundancy isn't an option, I've asked.

Did you retrain or find another job?

[mrsmugoo]

An opportunity came up for me to be part of a start up business - I was lucky really.

[titchy]

You may be able to force them to make you redundant if your new role is not of the same status as your redundant role:
www.personneltoday.com/hr/legal-qa-redundancy-and-redeployment-what-is-a-suitable-alternative-role/

[kiwimumof2boys]

No advice sorry but just wanted to give you and say I (and many others) have been there before.
I missed out on an internal promotion that they hired an external candidate for! I felt so shit.
I'd be looking for another job TBH.

[Undervaluedandsad]

I'm looking but there isn't much out there. I think I will need to retrain. Thinking about teaching.

[redhat]

I'm an employment lawyer.

That is a redundancy situation unless you accept the lower remunerated role. They have simply done the redundancy selection by interview.