Spec me a life bitches....

friznit · Post by **friznit** » February 13th, 2009, 14:20

Werd,

I just got made redundant, which is actually not bad cos I didn't want that job anyway. Question is though, what to do next? Quick background: University, Sandhurst, 8 years in the Army, 1 year project management, redundant during the worst recession UK's seen since the 1930's. Not desparate for cash in the short term, but looking for something challenging and interesting.

Post by **Dr. kitteny berk** » February 13th, 2009, 14:24

who's be?

Mr. Johnson · Post by **Mr. Johnson** » February 13th, 2009, 14:30

Rejoining the army probably isn't the best of ideas, judging from dog pants and chickenz tell me, maybe you could try security?

Post by **FatherJack** » February 13th, 2009, 14:44

Project Management jobs seem to be always sought after - we've got fousands of them here. Perhaps because we've only fairly recently started doing things "properly". Educational institutions are usually good to not get sacked/made redundant from, but the pay's not as high as industry and some haven't quite caught up with the modern world yet and would look at you blankly if you said you were PRINCE-certified.

buzzmong · Post by **buzzmong** » February 13th, 2009, 15:51

I've voted to rejoin the Army, I know you left partly because you wern't to be driving tanks anymore, but it's a steady job, you've done the training and know the ropes, you've got rank and you know it's going to be secure.
The minimum term is 4 years, which'll ride out this recession as well.

Could always go in as something different and retrain as well.

If not, private security firms like taking on ex military jobbers, and so to the Police.

Post by **tandino** » February 13th, 2009, 15:52

First off, very big Kudos to you for seeing this as an opportunity rather than the end of your world. Optimists are a necessity.

FatherJack wrote:Project Management jobs seem to be always sought after - we've got fousands of them here. Perhaps because we've only fairly recently started doing things "properly". Educational institutions are usually good to not get sacked/made redundant from, but the pay's not as high as industry and some haven't quite caught up with the modern world yet and would look at you blankly if you said you were PRINCE-certified.

If you enjoyed project management, then do it again. Alternatively, I often recommend a stint in bar work to those who aren't sure of things to do. It's great for confidence and peopledealingwithability. Bit of cash in hand and you have the days to pursue your dream job.

buzzmong · Post by **buzzmong** » February 13th, 2009, 16:05

Also, as you're free and have money.

Go meet 5punkers at the Jockbash!

Not a request or suggestion.

Hehulk · Post by **Hehulk** » February 13th, 2009, 16:13

buzzmong wrote:Also, as you're free and have money.

Go have a meaningful exchange of opinions with Berk at the Jockbash!

Not a request or suggestion.

Fix'd!

I can help with pointers from one of mine and Tys friends mom (and no it's not Deject's Mum, Werd to her though)

Post by **Dr. kitteny berk** » February 13th, 2009, 16:17

Meh, she wanted an argument, and I still talk to monkey.

Post by **Dog Pants** » February 13th, 2009, 16:54

I voted for something else, because it's what I'd do, although if money isn't a great issue it might be a great opportunity for travelling (of the good kind, not the army kind). I couldn't recommend joining back up, but then you were an officer so it's probably not nearly as much of an exercise in futility as being a junior rank so you're really the only one who can decide on that. Could be settling back into an old rut though.

So, for Something Else, have you considered the options that your security clearance might give you? Cleared staff are always in demand as you can't just go to a £1200 boot camp and get it handed to you, although I'm only speaking from a technical perspective.

Post by **Joose** » February 13th, 2009, 17:14

Dog Pants wrote:So, for Something Else, have you considered the options that your security clearance might give you? Cleared staff are always in demand as you can't just go to a £1200 boot camp and get it handed to you, although I'm only speaking from a technical perspective.

There's places like where I work that require clearance to work in. I'm not suggesting that you would want to enter the exciting world of photocopier tech support, although we could do with more project management types that can differentiate posteriors from arm-joints.

Post by **Dog Pants** » February 13th, 2009, 17:59

Joose wrote:
There's places like where I work that require clearance to work in. I'm not suggesting that you would want to enter the exciting world of photocopier tech support, although we could do with more project management types that can differentiate posteriors from arm-joints.

Can you do anything with AV specialised 2nd/3rd line admins?

Post by **HereComesPete** » February 13th, 2009, 19:37

I said go for something else. As for what I'm not too sure. I do a job that isn't well paid and offers zero satisfaction. I've done jobs before that have been opposite, but lead to burn out and alcoholism (cheffing).

If I had to pick a dream job right now it would involve exotic locations and guns, like life in the 70's/80's army adverts is, pity the army isn't like that.

I've looked at running an internet cafe, setting up a computer build/repair/parts shop, relief pub manager, journo and graduate careers adviser as jobs. I got a long way in interviews in more than one. Shame everyone decided they didn't need trainees because of the crunch.

Right now I'm paid so badly that if a job offering even less but sounded great, like games tester or coke sniffer turned up, I'd take it, despite my debts.

Like Tandino I think pub work is good, if you've got management skills and such (which you do) then big chains generally cry out for anyone who can motivate staff, get jobs done and remember an order of more than two drinks without writing it down. And the money isn't that bad either. In fact I've interested myself all over again in running a pub.

Try wetherspoons, punch taverns, enterprise inns and mitchells and butler websites if you're interested in looking. They are varying in pub type - punch have (amongst thousands of outlets) the spirit pubs, they are the olde worlde gastro chain-pubbes, all real ale, flat caps and huge white plates.

Mitchells and butlers have scream, o'neills etc. The shitty stink of sick student pubs that make managers very rich with the turnover levels.

If that doesn't float your boat, try doing something you always thought about by were slightly too scared to do. Or go travelling, working in a few countries around the world trying entry level jobs in different things until you find one that's great. Then do that.

Post by **Roman Totale** » February 13th, 2009, 19:38

Something else.

The number of new security firms starting up is frightening, and people like that are always looking for someone with a military background. I seem to remember Sheriff saying he had a special friend who works in that area, so give him a poke (hur hur).

Post by **HereComesPete** » February 13th, 2009, 19:47

More ideas!

GCHQ announced the need for more staff, about 900 I think. More government communicators for anti-terror stuff. Reckon you'd do well asking them.

MI5 have asked for barriers that stop people ramming airports/train stations etc. They can't be hueg but have to stop 40 tonnes at 40mph. First one gets put up at Dublin airport apparently. My dad knows the designer and he told him MI5 were looking for more people, both for this contract and in general. But they always do it in silly ways.

Be a careers adviser for a recruitment group! Whilst helping others find the right job, you can look at lots of jobs and see if any look good.

buzzmong · Post by **buzzmong** » February 13th, 2009, 19:49

Actually, tacking on from Pete.

MI5 and MI6 are employing, quite frankly, in your position I'd apply just for the crack to see if I got an interview.

Post by **Dog Pants** » February 13th, 2009, 20:03

HereComesPete wrote:GCHQ announced the need for more staff, about 900 I think. More government communicators for anti-terror stuff. Reckon you'd do well asking them.

Hmm...

Fear · Post by **Fear** » February 13th, 2009, 22:09

I wouldn't recommend it necessarily, but the police are always recruiting ex-horses. Something to consider if nothing else.

You can tell them apart as they always have shiny shoes.

Sheriff Fatman · Post by **Sheriff Fatman** » February 13th, 2009, 22:12

Roman Totale wrote:Something else.

The number of new security firms starting up is frightening, and people like that are always looking for someone with a military background. I seem to remember Sheriff saying he had a special friend who works in that area, so give him a poke (hur hur).

It was the company I worked for after leaving the mob. I offered putting Friz in touch at the time and the offer still stands (assuming my mates still work there).

I voted re-joining because I would, if I could. Still, if Frizzy doesn't miss it he'd be signing up for more years of misery

Post by **Dog Pants** » February 13th, 2009, 22:19

Sheriff Fatman wrote:I voted re-joining because I would, if I could. Still, if Frizzy doesn't miss it he'd be signing up for more years of misery

I imagine there's a certain amount of nostalgia there. I'll miss a lot when I leave the mob, but it's difficult to weigh it against being constantly fucked about and never knowing from one day to the next when they're going to drop something on you. Mind you, that's probably not as important if you're a singly.

Spec me a life bitches....

Life, don't talk to be about life...

Spec me a life bitches....