APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions.
Here, Karren gives advice to a reader who is considering taking redundancy but is unsure what the next step in her career could be.
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Q: I’m 50 and I work in management at a university, and I have been offered enhanced redundancy.
I feel under pressure to take the package, as I may not be given such good terms a few months down the line.
However, I’m unsure what I should do next.
I live a commutable distance from London, although I would rather not have to travel into the city every day, and as I still have many working years left, I want to forge a great second career.
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I have excellent experience managing people and budgets, but I’ve worked in the higher-education sector for the last two decades and now don’t know what else to do.
Please help!
Name withheld
A) It’s important not to rush into a decision you’re not fully comfortable with.
Take your time and consider speaking with HR, a careers coach or a trusted mentor, who can offer impartial guidance to help you assess whether the enhanced redundancy package aligns with your long-term goals.
Consulting a financial advisor could also be a smart move, as they can clarify the impact of your decision on your financial future.
While the package you’re being offered may be tempting, it’s essential to think ahead.
Your experience in managing people and budgets is highly transferable, and there are plenty of roles where you can apply those skills.
Look at LinkedIn for positions that focus on management, leadership and budget oversight – especially ones that offer flexible working, so you don’t have to deal with the daily commute if you don’t want to.
Also, don’t be afraid to tap into your network.
Reach out to people you know for advice and ask if they are aware of any opportunities, or if they can make any introductions. Good luck
- Got a careers question for Karren? Email bossingit@fabulousmag.co.uk.
