[Cyclefrance]

Hi BigV - just a few things - in no particular order and as I am at work at the moment hitting a quiet few mins (that may change in an instant) I may break off and take up later (also apologise for any crap spelling as not checking usual typing errors - two finger typist and I watch the keyboard and not the screen).

Anyway. First off the essay a few items back - the one thing that sprang immediately to mind was 'process of elimination' - in any problem situation it pays to eliminate the more obvious causes before going for the more obscure. I'm sure you had it covered reading between the lines, but it didn't hit me in the face the way it could have.

Another tip. I've had a few redundancies in my time - 5 and counting. I've tried change of industry/skills but this has so far never produced the result I wanted - the learning curve has been too steep and I have been shelving too much experience that eventually got me back in work once I realised this.

It seems to get harder the older you get. Trying the regular routes for me didn't work - but them I am at an age when most companies are thinking early retirement for my age as opposed to permanent position. So ad trawling turns out for me to be pure masochism without the pleasure bit.

This time around I tried something different. Not sure if it would apply to your field =, but on the surface I don't see why not. I saw an opening to offer a short-term cover service in my specialist field. It's quite difficult for the firms in the area I know best to get over absence through holidays and sickness when it happens,. So I bypassed the general employment agencies, made a relationship with those that sdealt with my specialist field and also set up a website and mail shot for the companies I kenw where i could be of service/. A bit slow to start, but I eventually hit good witha 3 week assignment when som guy went on his honeymoon followed by a return session when another guy took two weeks off. I made sure they gave me written feedback (gave them a simple form) which then stood me in good stead for the next assignement, 3 days a week for 6 weeks about two months later. More feedback - another 4 week assigmeent followed almost staright away - now I was getting a reputation. Then another three week one and then a 6 month local contract that turned into permanent employment.

Thing is that now, if it happens again that I lose my job - I will have no hesitation going the same route.

The only other point I want to make is that what ever happens do something to keep yourself sane. Worst thing is banging the head away at the same thing when there is no result/ I took a job driving a van for a guy I know who has a home delivery laundry anddry cleaing buisness - evening work so it left the dfays free, paid a little cash and kept me active and communiacting with people in general. I also helped out a pal in an antiques shop and also did my own bit of ebay antique trading as well - just to be active and to keep the adrenaline flowing.

THat's about it for now - feel free to PM me if you want to know more or specifics.

all teh best
CF