So I've been there and done it. I have worked since leaving university, working my way through the ranks from graduate software engineer up to managing software departments.
You would think working in the defence industry you would be spared the effect of a shrinking economy, but alas no.
So what do you do when there is a global recession and managers are as in demand as rotten fish. Do you sit on the shelf and lick your wounds, awaiting the return of the good old days, or do something about it?
Don't get me wrong, I was badly shaken by the redundancy, even though the company dissolved the department I managed, and reduced the total workforce by 50%, I still felt it was something personal. But with no jobs on the horizon, I felt it was time for a drastic shift, so we invested in a new business.
In the height of the recession we invested in a new business selling services to solicitors, but it was an up hill battle getting your foot in the door, but during this economic climate, do you really blame them for not switching to a new provider, just in case it doesn't survive, and they are left in the lurch.
But even after the huge investment, there was that same nagging doubt of not being a department manager, and being made redundant. So I looked for another position, back under the yoke, and I got that job; it was with a large American company, managing a software department. But our ethos were so different, it was never a good fit. Where I see people as the engine room of any business, and to make a business work well you work with the people to build their pride in the their work and plan effectively, you'll get a quality product and an engaged workforce. But in this company, it was a numbers game. Quality was never a really an issue, and the customer being offered platitudes and excuses rather than a top-shelf product.
So what do you do when there is a global recession and managers are as in demand as rotten fish. Do you sit on the shelf and lick your wounds, awaiting the return of the good old days, or do something about it?
Don't get me wrong, I was badly shaken by the redundancy, even though the company dissolved the department I managed, and reduced the total workforce by 50%, I still felt it was something personal. But with no jobs on the horizon, I felt it was time for a drastic shift, so we invested in a new business.
In the height of the recession we invested in a new business selling services to solicitors, but it was an up hill battle getting your foot in the door, but during this economic climate, do you really blame them for not switching to a new provider, just in case it doesn't survive, and they are left in the lurch.
But even after the huge investment, there was that same nagging doubt of not being a department manager, and being made redundant. So I looked for another position, back under the yoke, and I got that job; it was with a large American company, managing a software department. But our ethos were so different, it was never a good fit. Where I see people as the engine room of any business, and to make a business work well you work with the people to build their pride in the their work and plan effectively, you'll get a quality product and an engaged workforce. But in this company, it was a numbers game. Quality was never a really an issue, and the customer being offered platitudes and excuses rather than a top-shelf product.
It end as soon as it started, and surprisingly, my mind is at peace. I don't need to provide myself to a stuffed shirt, who sees employees as cannon fodder; as my wife said, 'you can see why so many Americans strive to be entrepreneurs'.
The best thing with this shift in focus is I now know what I want, and what I need to validate myself. It is to prove myself to myself. The business has been happily ticking over for a number of years with the support of my darling wife, and it's doing okay. Now it is time to focus on our future, and the grow the business.
So my blog is born. I intend to put down my thoughts, our success, and failures as we strive to grow.
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