Redundancy, Suitable alternative employment or good job with risks

[WonsWoo]

My head is all over the place so any thoughts much appreciated.

I work in the NHS - non clinical - I suppose you could think of me as a project manager but with many years experience in a particular area. I'm reasonably senior.

My organisation is going through a restructure with about 40% job losses.

I interviewed last week for 3 posts very similar to my current one and didn't get any of them. My pride is hurt.

I am now technically at risk of compulsory redundancy but the more likely scenario is that I will be offered a suitable alternative role at a lower band but with 4 years pay protection.

I have also applied for an external role which is pretty much at my current grade and pay but is fixed term for 1 year. I do know the funding is recurrent for at least 3 years but this could be repurposed so there are no guarantees of more than a year.

Making the very bold assumption that I get offered both the lower band role with my current org and the external role, I'm torn.

The external role is exciting to me, it's very much my ideal job, it's a new role with 10 peers doing the same role with a strong emphasis on the new team developing the role and shaping possible future roles.

The alternative role is the safe option financially and security wise but I know I'll find it hard - some of my current peers were successful and I'll likely be working in their teams. I don't begrudge them at all - again it is my own pride and my issue to deal with.

But here's where I'm struggling, I'm 55, I still have 10 years on my mortgage and I am acutely aware that the job market is not great.

It has all been a horrible process and i'm still reeling a bit so I'm finding it hard to separate the emotion at the moment.

Any words of wisdom?

Big virtual hug, you are being very strong and practical in a shitty situation. I think you need to focus on what you need now and secure it. Like you say the job market has its challenges and you have 10 years on the mortgage. You can always get settled into something and then have a look around on your terms in the future.

I really empathise with the challenge that you may find yourself working for colleagues who were peers. That is hard, but be honest, draw up ground rules so you don't trigger each other, find new ways of working and address the elephant in the room.

You sound very self aware so clearly capable of making whatever option you choose work for you. Good luck.

Hello OP. I am in a somewhat similar situation. Its shit! I think you would find it extremely frustrating to stay and the external role sounds exciting. Will you get a decent payout?

Thanks for your replies - unfortunately, if I take the external role I won't qualify for redundancy as the timings don't line up. I'd be voluntarily resigning.

@BoilingHotand50something your username is the most relatable thing I've ever read on Mumsnet!

Lots to ponder.

Ah no! A pay off with the external role would probably win it for me, but with no pay off, it does make it tricky. I really feel for you. It’s a tough age for this to happen and a tough market out there. What are the timings on finding out on the external role and the NHS confirming their decision?

Be kind to yourself. It’s an emotional rollercoaster for sure. And I hear the pride thing loud and clear.