I’ve been too embarrassed to write this post. I’ve reached out to a few in my network directly but I’ve been too embarrassed to say publicly that I’m being made redundant from my role at Syngenta. All the stress, worry, coordination and planning I put in to deliver like I didn’t have a young family and mother like I didn’t have a career is in vain. But then I got a call on Friday that my oldest, just a month shy of his third birthday had had a seizure. If I got caught I hope the judge will be understanding, I’m certain I drove fast enough to lose my licence. Freddie is ok. I can not tell you the relief of typing these words. Freddie is ok, he has Chickenpox. It was a Febrile Seizure, his temperature spiked so quickly that his little body went in to shock. After a weekend of Cuddles & Calpol, a cure all as I’m sure you know if you have children, he’s the one reassuring me that his ‘wibbly wobblies’ are gone, he’s all better now with a worried furrowed brow on his spotty face - for me. I want to work for my mental health aswell as my bank balance. I want to set an example to my boys and help an organisation with the vast amount of knowledge, skills and experience I have. I hope I’m good at it, I certainly enjoy it. I’ve helped thousands of people secure their new role, hundreds of managers bolster their teams and many organisations improve their TA functions and workforce. I’m done being embarrassed, I’ve learned a healthy lesson in what matters. I need a job, if you can at all help I’d be grateful. Even if you can’t, reach out and say hi, it’s lonely sending out application after application, second guessing yourself, your abilities, your worth in the (world) job market. Hi, I’m Liz, in the last few years I’ve lost 95kg, gotten married, had 2 boys and I’ve just been made redundant. I’m scared, my LI feed is of an dystopian world I don’t recognise, and I have more responsibilities on my shoulders than the last time I did this. What’s been happening with you?
Hi Liz, wonderful post which clearly shows your courage both personally and professionally. I am now retired from Syngenta however if you need some professional advice or just support during what I know from personal experience is an emotional time I am more than happy to provide mentoring and guidance as you look for your next career step. Please do feel free to connect with me if you would find this useful. In the meantime make the most out of the time with the children, they grow so quickly and you will remember the extra time with them forever but believe me this period of professional uncertainty will very soon be forgotten
We don't know each other Liz but thanks for being brave enough to share your story. For some social media is natural, for others it's difficult to open up to the whole world. I've only just recently started being more open on LI and at times find it a struggle so I applaud you for taking that step. Also there is nothing to be ashamed about with redundancy. In the world of biotech it is extremely common. I suspect half of the people I've worked with over the last 20 years have been made redundant at least once, some multiple times over. It sounds like you have the right attitude to pick yourself up and move on. Best of luck with it!
Hi Liz, glad to hear that Freddie is okay. Whoever your next employer will be, they will be lucky to have you xx
All the best Liz to you and your family. Thanks for sharing your story and the vulnerability. Being made redundant hurts, I know from experience, but sometimes it opens new doors (as it did for me). With such an authentic post you’ve taken the first step and I hope you will gain some leads and find a new role and company that make you thrive professionally and wishing you the best personally too.
Hi Liz please contact me 02922 672734
I’ve just spent the last 30 minutes searching LinkedIn for a job for you. I was overwhlemed with your honesty in your post and the fear I read between the lines. First off may I say thank you for your brave post. Second - breathe. Third - with your level of skills, experience and honesty I doubt you’ll be out of the workplace for long. I wish you huge amounts of luck & love to you and your family.
Kids love to give us a scare and being a parent is a great leveller. I'll share amongst my network. be good to know location and hours you may be interested in. Its just a company, and just a job, the next exciting thing awaits
We don’t know each other Liz Burton however I am so glad your son is ok. Will let you know if I hear of any TA opportunities and if you want to have a chat then happy to do that. First and foremost look after you. The TA recruitment market has been quite brutal over the last 12 - 18 months so if opportunities are not flowing it is down to market dynamics not you!
Operational Excellence Consultant @ Prosper & More | Lean Six Sigma
3moHi Liz, I feel 100% sympathy with your storyline. Also an ex-Syngenta emplyee and had been made redundant while my performance was recognised as outstanding and was known to be the single income generator of my family of five. Took a while to get a new job, but leveraged the time to acquire new skills, certifications and most importantly spent a lot more quality time with my family than ever before. I know, this gap in your CV may initially seem stressful, but believe me, this for your last chance to get back to your kids and help them to become emotionally healthy adults while your husband provides the income needed. Good luck to the new chapter of your life!