Here I go again :-(

[BringBackCatsEyes]

Was made redundant in Sept last year. Found work in Jan of this year after months of dehumanising, depressing searching.
It's a 12 month fixed term contract. I am doing very well. The company is doing well.
Was told today it won't be renewed. Now I have to remain professional while looking for work.

I am a lone parent, age 55.
I don't know if I can go through it all again.

I am in academic science. There are few jobs in my field.

Not to be rude, but that isn’t what I asked

I asked whether you had contacts.

you are on your 50s… so I’m guessing you have had numerous colleagues in the past

ie potential contacts

but if you’re going to get a bit worked up about it, forget I suggested!!

Right OK - my fault. Sorry.
You mean Tesco. I am not looking for roles outside of my field at this stage, I already have employment until the end of the year.
I doubt I would get a more senior role in Tesco with no retail experience (not since the late 80s anyway!).

I have amazing contacts and I am of course in touch with them.

I am depressed. What calmed my mind yesterday was accepting that if I die then the bank will get some of my house value to pay off the mortgage, then my sons would get the rest. This is preferable to me selling my home and it all being used in rent. So yes, I am a bit worked up. Probably best I dip out of this thread for a bit,

I'm not really sure what you want us to say. Advice is no good because you've already thought of everything. It's a shit position to be in. I hope you find another job soon

Depends. When I was in this position I was applying for anything , with a view to keep on looking for a better paid one, even if I got one already . One is better than none for me , it’s not forever but it helps temporarily

good luck with interview, if you’re finding what they sent you tricky,.. feel free to post under this Board, to get some insights of how to do tackle it x

I mean Tesco??

are you reading my posts Op?

I didn't ask for advice, I am using MN to voice my thoughts during a difficult time.

You had had a career of decades

I was simply asking if you have contacted past colleagues and bosses.

I did… 6 years later very happy on current position and my ex boss who gave me the heads up about the role, has now retired

I think you quoted the wrong reply when you said "that it not what I asked"?

Sorry, I only read the post not the username.

So you just want “there there it’ll be ok” ?

Ok so I’ll leave that for others

Ah I see

Just tell me what you asked then.....
Please.

No. I am using it as a space to get my feelings and frustrations down. Is that not OK?

I won’t bother. It was a one line question

but I didn’t realise you just wanted to voice your thoughts

good luck

Go for it

I’ll leave you to it

Which I answered. I am getting snippy with people who suggest the obvious.
Do you really think someone with a professional background of decades would not be using their contacts? It's one of the first things people do (and which I did).

Ooof!

good luck!!

I hope you get something soon

Bully for you then

How does this help the op,??

Thank you.
I am distancing myself from friends and family because I am in a very low place and (as you've seen) can be abrupt and sharp.
I don't like offending 'stranger on the internet' but it's better than my friends and family. Offload on the internet and then I can tell my friends and family I don't want to talk about work stuff (for fear of offending them when I don't take their well-intended advice well).

Gert out of academia and research services. It's an exploitative dead end and hugely ageist to justify the exploitation. You keep saying you're not looking outside your field, but your field has royally fucked you for possibly decades. You're acting like an abused wife. It's not going to be pleasant beginning again in a new field at possibly somewhat lower pay, but it doesn't sound like you realistically have that many options either financially or mentally.

Love, an ex academic who is stuck in a 1 bed flat trying to conceive in her 40s having moved internationally for the high profile roles that would definitely make my CV, whilst giving it my best years. Leaving was the best thing I did.

I get it OP, why you’re posting. Keep on keeping on as they say. Some of us are quietly listening and wishing you well. Xx

I am not an academic as such, I have worked in academic institutes and scientific research parks.
I don't think I've been fucked over at all. I've had a very, very good career.

If I hadn't have had to start from below £0 10 years ago due to my horrible divorce, I'd be OK. I'd have the buffer to retrain or take a lower paid role. Your reference to acting like an abused wife is not nice.

The field has been on the decline for some time, but it's accelerated recently due to Trump.

I understand I will have to look outside my field, but I'm not going to resign from my current role yet. While I feel the need to be proactive, it would be unwise to give up 5 months of this salary.

I am sorry things are so tough for you. What field did you move into?

If you contract doesn’t finish until January… what happens if you get a job next week? You’ll have to explain you can’t start until until Jan?