Staying in a job I dislike in case redundancy comes up

[AddledPeacock]

Have others been in this situation?
I’ve been in present workplace for over 15years but recently starting to hate my role. I am looking for other things internally but there isn’t much about as they have offshored a lot of roles. I could look externally, although I doubt I will find anything as well paid and I’’m nervous as I’m in my fifties and know that is generally a disadvantage. I hate to be wishing my life away, but I don’t want to voluntarily leave if there is the chance I might get made redundant with a payoff. It would be a significant payment after so many years and pay grade. They never do voluntary redundancy so that isn’t an option. There have been a number of redundancies in past 2 years and seemingly continual org restructures. Anyone else been in similar position, how did it work out? Thx.

Id start off with thinking about what I can change about the current gig. Do you just need a break / sabbatical? Could you go flexi/ work from home etc? Optimise what you can.

Then make work work for you. I believe anyone can do anything for 2 years, and having an end date helps. Eg Throughout this time I am going to maximise my pension contributions / participate in training courses / etc to be in the best position for retirement or a new gig.

Then figure out if you need to work for another 15 years or if you can accelerate retirement. If the former then what salary is acceptable and what do you need from a job - purpose? Agency?

if instead, with a redundancy you’d potentially reach / significantly accelerate retirement then figure out how to plant the seeds for making you a prime target for redundancy by working to the letter and not beyond, etc