Tough times, tough choices; tough luck? #4

Things are now a bit clearer. The good news is that I will have a job after 11 July!

Unfortunately, the non-IT job at the same grade as my current post did not work out (I was interviewed but, before a decision could be made on my "suitability", the current postholder decided, not to go through with early retirement/voluntary redundancy), but last week I was offered (and accepted) the vacant full-time post of Database Support Officer within the Information Services Division. It will mean a demotion by 2 grades, and a 16.3% pay cut (after a 12 month period of salary protection); but it is a job, and I could be in a much worse position. For example, I know of at least 2 people who are being forced to retire long before they would wish to, in the current round of cutbacks; and a very good friend has not had her temporary contract renewed, after she spent 2 years retraining in her 40s, and a period of commuting weekly to mainland Scotland before giving up a permanent post to take up a temporary position with Orkney Islands Council. I don't know what these friends may think; but, for myself, I'm not entirely certain I agree that we are "all in this together". More on that another time, perhaps.

There are a few details to be worked through, and a few issues I would like the Council to address as I am redeployed, but I am now mainly focussing on accepting the situation, and making a positive contribution in a new role (albeit one which I thought I moved on from about a decade ago). I hope that by taking every opportunity to make the best of this situation, I may be in a position to find something more like my current post, either within the Council or elsewhere in Orkney, within the next year or 2.

The other positive element in the situation is that (unlike my current post) my new role will not be politically restricted, so I can start openly supporting specific candidates in elections, and even canvassing (if an opportunity arises!) from mid-July onwards!

I am very grateful for the many positive comments from friends and acquaintances over the past few months - I intend to blog (as far as is appropriate to the confidence necessary between an employer and employee) on my redeployment as it progresses, so watch this space!