I went into healthcare as a relatively stable, "safe" industry, one which would always be needed.
I don't think I've ever gone more than 12 - 18 months between restructures where my job has been or at least felt at risk.
It's gruelling. Nonetheless, I progressed career, but then I got bullied out by a very nasty woman with an appalling track record of treating staff badly.
Since then, I've found myself seemingly unemployable aged 50.
I'm working as an interim on 3 days per week, which might sound idyllic, but its essentially like a zero hours situation. I could be got rid of at a week's notice and then struggle to get the next role.
There are handfuls of permanent jobs at my level, for which when I apply I don't get interviews.
I put on a brave face, keep putting myself out there for rejection, but it's soul destroying because every year there are more jobs cuts.
It's fine when you're in a permanent role, but once you're out of that, it looks like there's something wrong with you. 🥺
I usually manage a half-full mindset on it, along the lines of "I'm lucky to have a job, and I like working 3 days per week therefore two days off".
But in reality, the uncertainty is crippling our family quality of life. We can't spend money on infrastructure like the house, for fear of what's coming next. So the kitchen is embarrassingly shabby and falling apart, in an already modest house.
Im a highly qualified professional with two post graduate qualifications, plus a lifetime of experience. As I say, I'm thankfully in work at the moment, so there's that. 🙏
I don't think healthcare is future proof at all. I used to. The country now can't afford to care for its population, it's that simple. Something has got to give and its that.
What infuriates me is that we are bringing in tens, if not hundreds of thousands of masters graduates every year. Why?? They end up applying for deliveroo jobs, but the whole circus is making the job market hell.