Looking for inspiration....

[Incy]

Having been told yesterday that I didn't get any of the roles I applied for internally, it is now pretty much definite that I will be made redundant at the end of next month. It's not all doom and gloom however as my parting package is pretty decent, so it will keep the wolves from the door for a while.

I want to look at it as an opportunity to reassess and see if there is something better for me out there that I might get more pleasure from doing. which is why I'm writing this thread.
The challenge is that as I am currently the only income in our family, I need to earn a reasonable wage in order to keep the 3 of us and the house.
My roles for the last 11 years have been focussed around IT and HR support, Managing teams etc...I'd love to do something that involved gardening but am not really sure what kind of jobs exist in that field or what qualifications are needed to obtain them.
So, do any of you grapes have any ideas for a career change?

[ginger ninger]

Hi Incy, sorry to hear you've not been successful for internal jobs, good on you for being optimistic, I've had a quick zoom round and found this web site for you to have a glance at...It might be worth a look. Good Luck in what ever you chose to do.

Horticulture Jobs | Gardening Jobs | Countryside, Forestry and Arborist

[Incy]

Thanks GN. That looks interesting, I shall enjoy perusing

[RedThorn]

Re-typed this message 4 or 5 times, will contact you later

[Incy]

Ok RT. Will look forward to hearing from you

[bobleponge]

Hmmm, I wouldnt advise my line of work, and dont really know anything else.
Sorry you didnt get any of the other ones, hopefully you will start a new career doing something you really love.

[Incy]

Thanks Bob. That's what I'm hoping too

[SueA]

I had a quick look at the site Ginger posted Incy & there are only 6 jobs listed in the North West & they seemed to want you to live in, work for very little money or have loads of horticultural qualifications & experience. I bet the one at Chester Zoo is interesting though!
I think you may have a problem getting a job connected to gardening which will pay enough to support your family but I wish you the best of luck & hope you get something fulfilling!

[Incy]

Thanks Sue. Although there weren't many jobs on there in the north west there is a page on careers advice which is very interesting and useful. It certainly showed me that there are a lot more horticulturally linked jobs than I had thought. Definitely food for thought

[zazen999]

Well chuck; if I managed it, then I'm sure you can.

It's bally hard work though, and I haven't even started on the groundwork yet.

[piskieinboots]

... and I haven't even started on the groundwork yet.

You're digging up good ole Ryton

[zazen999]

You're digging up good ole Ryton

No!!!

At some schools - we're getting veggie gardens up and running - when I say 'we'.......I mean me for now. It's great!

[jackyspratty]

My friend wanted a career redirection. He had previous experience of being a chef, a manager at a local theatre restraurant, lots of temp work in publicity and sales but had always loved his garden ( well a yard that he transformed into a garden) He applied to a local college and did an NVQ in horticulture. I think in the main it was young guys doing park keeper type training really. My friend is in his 40's and straight away set up a gardening business and website. Its flourishing despite the recession, and hes got a lot of work through word of mouth.
He was lucky though as he has no dependants to feed whilst retraining! But itas always useful to see whats on at a local college, can open many doors! You never know!

[Incy]

Thanks guys. More avenues to explore. My package means that we could survive for over a year without an income so training is definitely an option.

[northepaul]

I did it, Incy, and although it was, as Zazen says, bladdy difficult. I dont have a day job in my preferred career (as a photographer) I nevertheless feel am SOOO much more fulfilled and contented just from being creative. And to top that, I DO have a day job in a really interesting line of work (education) which was totally unexpected.

All I can say is go for it, if you really want to, you can do it. It will be worth it in the end.