Anyone in HE academic services? Absolute shitshow!

[DoesItSparkJoyMarie]

Hi all. Looking for any advice from others in the sector, as I'm needing to make a move at a really difficult time to do so.

I'm on a fixed term contract in an academic services role which was absolutely idyllic for the first year: senior management all smiles and positive we'd be made permanent; interesting and rewarding work; tons of CPD opportunities.

Once the funding crisis hit, things started disintegrating and have only got worse. In summary: people left and their jobs went unfilled which created huge overwork at the top. This meant that there were no eyes on my manager who is the definition of failing upwards - our v small team have kept the show on the road as best we can but there have been several instances where he has really cocked up and gaslit/got hugely defensive/tried to pin the blame on us and the wider department/institution/world at large. Senior management have now cottoned on to his games but almost certainly too late to turn things around. Big scary meeting with all the bigwigs in a couple of weeks at which we're expecting to be officially told we'll not be kept on. Meanwhile, manager has now switched the narrative from his failures being our fault, to his failures being senior management's fault and is crowing about us 'all being in it together'.

Our team have all been quietly on the job market for some time, but it is an absolute desert. This is not helped by the fact I'm a lone parent (no family within 300 miles) to a child in primary school: this job is super flexible, commutable, and pays well to the extent it literally lifted us out of poverty. I'm applying to everything suitable as it comes up, but pickings are beyond slim.

I've poured so much into getting really specific qualifications, professional recognition etc., but if I have to pivot out of the sector I will - just need something that pays at least what I earn now. The natural private sector move would be something like Learning and Development so I've been looking into the CIPD level 5 as it seems like that's what I'd need to access mid level roles. BUT it's a massive financial commitment and I don't know if the qualification alone would actually get me into one of these roles or if I'd have to start from the bottom.

Anyone in a vaguely similar position/work in L&D and could offer insight? Solidarity ranting also welcome in these dark times hahaha

What sort of jobs are you applying for? It is worth thinking outside the box for roles - if you are in academia and are made redundant you will be guaranteed an interview for posts where you fulfill the criteria so apply for everything - project manager, grant manager, student services -a lot of the skill sets are the same.

Sorry to hear that. Have you considered Roles in training apprentices? If hr is your speciality there are hr coaches.

Are you in HR op? I work in HR in an HEI. You have very likely tried, but I often look at public sector job sites and third sector.

Its quite tough and very varied. I have a level 7 CIPD qualification (Masters) and I'm in an adviser role, the other advisers have highers. I'm also a lone parent and know the struggle between finding a role that matches your ambitions and qualifications, but is flexible, and there is a sacrifice between those.

I would say L&OD isn't as saught after as HR and is sometimes seen as a tag on for strategic purposes, and not necessarily a core function. A good role, but possibly less opportunities .