October is not my month :(

I was supposed to be on holiday in Cornwall this week, but had to cancel due to some health related issues that have been going on since 08 Oct. The NHS has been mostly good about it, but I have really had to advocate for myself in the process to prevent them from unnecessarily removing my organs, and am not out of the woods yet.  But I am grateful for their services and the very kind staff I've been working with through this time.

So instead of being on holiday, I'm at home feeling exhausted, nauseous, and have developed a cold due to the medication I'm on.  I've been trying to make the most of it by spending quality time with my OH. We've carved pumpkins, baked some special treats, and have gone for some short walks together.  He even bought me the new Surface Pro 2 and keyboard because my current computer is on its last legs, and wanted to treat me.  Because we had to cancel our holiday with friends, we made plans to go to the London dungeons on Friday with them, but tickets were sold out when I tried to book on Monday.

And then today I got a call from my boss--it wasn't good news.  He wanted to let me know directly, because he knows I've got a lot going on and won't be in for a while.  Bad news is that my department will be reducing its head count by 70%, and come the 7th of Feb, I will no longer have a job.  So now the surface pro 2 is back in the shop.  By February, I will have been a contractor there for just over a year and 8 months.  I like(d) my job. Obviously there are some things I'd change, but for the most part, I've had a great experience there and will miss the atmosphere and camaraderie.

OH makes enough such that we'd still be able to scrape by, but if it takes an extended period of time to find something else in my field, I'm not sure how we'll manage.   So I am now officially looking for a new job. 

So, If anybody knows of anything coming available, I'm all ears! My experience spans a wide range of scientific areas, including: Drug metabolism/DMPK, electrophysiology, bacterial and mammalian cell culture, DNA extraction from human blood samples, PCR, protein expression and purification, protein NMR and MS, and most recently have been working on drug product formulation development support and stability testing, using HPLC, XRPD, DSC, etc.  It is clearly a wide range, and ideally I would like to either work my way back to DMPK, but am also considering a career shift, while still using my scientific background.

I'm trying to be positive, but between the health issues and my impending job loss, it feels like I just can't win right now.

<end rant/sulk>

I'm sorry, PS! That sounds like a really rough month. I hope your health improves soon, and you can find a new job quickly. As a silver lining, at least you know about the job issue now, rather than at Christmas/New Year time.

I am sorry to read about your bad month, I too hope you feel better soon and good luck on the job hunt 

Oh, I am so sorry!!!

I am glad for you that you have many months to search for work.  You certainly sound very highly skilled and I bet there are some great jobs out there for you!

Allow yourself to have a pity party.   

Hope your health improves quickly and you luck for that matter.  Like KF said a huge pity party may allow you to release the frustrations and feel a bit better.  Good luck on the job search.  Hoping November treats you kinder!   

Hugs, PickledSakura!

Thanks ladies, just feeling a bit down these days. 

Going to the hospital again tomorrow, so will know more soon, but still really hoping to avoid surgery
Started a spreadsheet for the job search yesterday, and have come up with a few options so far.  It would be nice if I could secure something rapidly, as the best time to find a job is when you already have one...

Trying to keep my chin up,  but definitely appreciate the support, commiseration, and hugs.

Oh PS! just seeing this. I'm so sorry you're having such a sh*t month! Please let me know if there is anything I can do. Even if its just cookies!  Xx

Oh PS - I am really sorry about everything ((((hugs)))). Hopefully November is kinder to you!

Oh, PickledSakura -- I am really sorry about everything that's been happening.

I admire you for launching into your job search straight away.  That can't be easy to do, and I'm glad the search has started with some possible options.  I'll be hoping for many more options for you, and for you to be able to avoid surgery.

At least the NHS is a bit of a bright spot here - imagine if you had lost your job in the US and then had to wonder how to pay for your treatment.  That worry is taken care of (and if you haven't got your health then what have you got?)

The job loss is unfortunate, but three months lead time is helpful.

Get better soon!

BIG HUGS, PS!

I'm so sorry to hear of your situation at the moment.
Keep your chin up, hopefully everything will work out in your favor.

And I totally believe what you said about finding a job when you already have one. *fingers crossed* for you!

First day back in the office today, and had a slightly rough morning.  But around 3:30, the head of another department that I tend to socialise with sent over a job spec for which I'm mostly qualified.  

Despite only having worked together for a brief time on one project, apparently he has recognised my talent, and basically said that he doesn't like to see good people out of work.  He has worked at this particular site previously and has many connections.  He's agreed to review my CV and cover letter, and even help me refresh my knowledge for the interview if it comes to that.  So, while the job he sent is not my ideal role, it's definitely another stepping stone in the right direction.  

I'm feeling optimistic about it, and hope this works out.  As we all know, it's easiest to get a job when:  a) you already have one, and b) you know someone.  But even if it doesn't work out, it's really nice to know that someone else (who is well respected in the industry) has acknowledged my skill set--and that gives my mood a bit of a boost.

Come on November!!

Woohoo! Good luck PS!

So November didn't pull through for me, but things have worked out just in time for Christmas-- Woo hoo!  I got the all clear from my doctors on Wednesday, and was offered a job yesterday.

I've decided to take the job and learn what I can from it-- it's a 6 month contract starting January 6th (where my current role ends 7 Feb), and would give me exposure to FMCG product development.  It will also buy me some more time until I can sort myself out with something permanent.

I'm heading to the US for Christmas this Wednesday, so it's looking like Tuesday might actually be my last day in the office...which is really strange, given I plan to formally accept the job offer and submit my notice on Monday, would say goodbye to everyone on Tuesday, and proceed to take 2 weeks of holiday.  I wonder if that's acceptable...

Anyway, feeling like I've gotten a much needed boost, and wanted to share the good news with you gals