oh bollocks

Sorry to hear this (hi by the way, don't think we've met)

If you get a fat redundancy cheque, start your own business. If you don't get a fat redundancy cheque, start your own business.

People say it's a big risk to start your own business, but as your situation has proved, it's risky having a job too as the rug can be swept from under you at any time. My friend decided this, even after surviving a round of redundancies, set up on his own and within a month he was earning twice what he did in his old job and pays less tax too, so his income has increased by more than 100% oh, and he has some form of control over whether he's got a job or not as well - decisions like this are made by *him* not some boardroom cigar puffing fatcat. He's now wondering to himself "WTF was I doing all those years working like a highly send donkey making somebody else rich?"

As an aside, did you know that the marketing business bullpoo doublespeak fraternity have now tried to rename redundancy as ICE (Involuntary Career Event).

In the meantime, sign on NOW and they'll pay your council tax etc until you're sorted. I know it's soul-destroying but there's no shame in it in your situation.

All the very best.