After working in Asia for two years I returned home to find the Ministry I had worked in for 39 years had been restructured and all the people I had recruited and trained had been made redundant.

        I was very upset. Imagine the effect on their families!

        That is when I wrote the book “New Horizons” and on the second print run, it had a name change.

        It has been re-published as a FREE book titled, “No Job! What Now?” It’s available on Google at the mossassociates.co.nz. website.

        One advantage of being made redundant is it gives people a chance to change direction and to study and take on a new career. Often a hobby becomes a career.

        I know one man that was a university lecturer in science, he became an engineer. Another colleague purchased an apple orchard.

A Handful of Tips to help you on your way after being made redundant

* Contact family and friends

        Seek advice. Tell them you have lost your job and ask them if they know of any job opportunities.

* Hobbies and interests

        Have you any hobbies or interests that could be turned into a business?

        I know of one business that was set up to make almond paste from their grandmother’s old recipe book. Another set up a stamp-selling business from a hobby of collecting stamps.

        Perhaps you have a gardening interest that could be commercialized.

* Working from home

        In my free book, you will find a list of 45 jobs that can be done from home. You should be able to find one that would appeal to you.

        Many large successful businesses started in a spare room, or in the garage.

* Study for a new qualification 

        Perhaps you could take on a temporary job like, gardening, lawn mowing, house-sitting, or dog minding, while you study for a new career opening.

        Many good study openings are now available online,  some from leading universities.  

* Improve our interpersonal skills

        Good personality, communication, and entrepreneurial skills make all the difference when applying for a new job. Time spent on extra-curricular activities can be a sound investment.

Geoffrey Moss(mossassociates.co.nz)

“Losers let things drift – winners make things happen.”