Is there life after redundancy?
Q. Jane
I am 57 and have just been made redundant. Thankfully due to a redundancy payout, some savings and superannuation, my financial position isn’t as bad as some who find themselves in the same position. However, I don’t know where to turn for help. I have found my dealings with Centrelink to be less than satisfactory and, instead of finding the support I need to get me back in to the work force, I just feel very depressed.
This happened about four weeks ago and already I feel myself slipping into despair. Despite having held a senior management role for many years, dealing with the different Centrelink agencies, being passed from pillar to post and getting the feeling that no-one is really interested in what I am saying, is all becoming too much for me to take. I understand that because of the money I have I may not be entitled to any benefits, but surely there should be some support for people in my position? I have also considered starting my own consultancy business but apparently I can’t get any assistance through the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS). I now have no job, no income, no prospects and nowhere to turn!
At the moment I can’t even consider looking for another job as my confidence has taken a real blow; if I can’t deal with Centrelink, am I a suitable person to be employed in senior role? Perhaps I’m too old to continue in my previous field at such a level? Where do I go for help?
A. Jane, what you are feeling is perfectly understandable and has obviously been exasperated by your unsatisfactory dealings with Centrelink. At 57 you would normally be eligible for Newstart Allowance while you look for another job, however, there are asset and income limits which you may exceed. You can view the income and asset limits on the Centrelink website and this may give you an idea of how far from receiving this benefit you are. If you are not eligible to receive any benefit, then you will not be able to access other services such as Jobskills or NEIS. While this may seem harsh when you exceed these limits, there has to be a cut-off at some point.
The next step is to consider the available funds you have and how best to manage these. While you may have a good understanding of budgeting, it would be worthwhile making an appointment to see an independent financial advisor to discuss the best way to structure your finances. Such an advisor may also be able to advise you on how to manage your money in a way that makes Centrelink benefits accessible. If you do not have a preferred financial advisor, you can find details of one in your area by visiting the website of the Financial Planning Association of Australia. You may also wish to read the following article, 50 questions you can ask a financial advisor, which may help you make the right choice of advisor. If you do not wish to pay to see a financial advisor, you can make an appointment with a Centrelink Financial Information Services officer (FIS). While a FIS officer cannot give financial advice, you can obtain general financial information which may be of use. You can make an appointment by calling 13 2300.
You may wish to take the time to consider your next career move. At 57 it’s easy to think that no one will want to employ you, but your experience is invaluable to many employers. You may wish to think about whether going back into the same field is what you want to do, if you wish to continue working full-time and, as you mentioned, whether starting your own business is the best course of action. A career counsellor can help you work through your core skills, what you wish to achieve from a career and pathways to getting the job you want. The Career Development Council of Australia will be able to recommend a counsellor in your area who can assist with your career decisions and your next career move. You may also wish to read about strategies and resources for older workers in this chapter of Kaye’s book What Next – Your career change companion.
Last, but by no means least, is your own mental wellbeing. Hopefully by working through the above stages, you will start to feel more positive about where you are in life and what you can achieve. However, if you are unable to tackle these steps through total despair, then a trip to your GP is in order. You have been dealt a blow, one which many people liken to a bereavement, and you may need a little help to process this. Your GP can suggest some strategies, one of which may be counselling. Under the Federal Government’s Mental Health Plan, you can access 12 sessions through Medicare. Your GP will need to complete a mental health questionnaire before you can access such services. If, in the interim, you need to speak to someone, I would suggest getting in touch with beyondblue. This organisation can provide information and support until such time as you can arrange something more suited to you individually.
Jane, I hope you can evaluate your position and realise that although your redundancy came as a blow, there are positives and you may now have the opportunity to get even more satisfaction from your chosen career path.
How can any senior workers expect the Age Discrimation Laws to apply if the Federal Government is not bound by them. Am I to presume that the lack of staff over 50 at Centerlink Offices means that nobody over 50 ever applies? Indeed, am I to presume the lack of staff over 40 in the Immigration Department means the same thing. Just taking this a step further, you have got to wonder why so few Australian born citizens are able to get a position in the Immigration Dept. Workers in the 50 to 65 year old bracket make up over 1/3 of the workforce, but they do not appear to come anywhere this proportion in the Commonwealth Public Service. In fact, the only Government positions that appear to have at least a third senior representation is the Elected MPs' who created the unenforced laws. Sydney Water has been having large numbers of redundancy payouts to employees (mostly over 50) since 2003, but has only had a noticeable drop in staff levels in 2010. I cannot quote definate fact, but I have been advised that the average age of staff has reduced by over 5 years since 2000. While I am at it, can somebody explain why we have not had the benefit of a major dam construction since Warragamba was finished in 1960 & Sydney Water had nearly 14,000 staff in 1980 as against just under 4,000 in the year 2,000 & in the same period the Water rates have quadrupled?