Probably worth working out how big a reduction you could take in wages, to broaden your options a bit. Transferable skills are a big thing too. What do you do now that can be adapted to a different job? I got very lucky, a job came up on a bit less than I was making, but my immediate pension covered the loss and a bit more on top.
When I left school it was during the pit closures and the year before Boldon pit had closed and to be honest that was my chosen path so to speak, I ended up floating about until i got offered a YTS in an electrical retailers (Comet) this was through a college course which I went on for something to do as there was not much opportunity around at the time (as I am sure a few of our contributors of a certain age will remember), any way this led me to an gentleman's outfitters called Woods who were based in South Shields and I was there for almost 3 years and was put through my paces and taught to be a bespoke tailor (think are you being served without the comedy). Any way after 3/4 years I was offered a Job with Next in Newcastle and was quickly promoted so after 3 years I had gone from a 20 hour contract to assistant floor manager/bespoke tailoring manager. I moved store to the Metro Centre and progressed to floor manager of the menswear department. My whole journey with them lasted about 10 years and by this time I was close to 30 year old. I decided to leave and look for something new. I worked as a labourer/ store man in the shipyards for about 8 month and then got a job working in a highways testing laboratory which lasted about 2 years then at the age of about 33/34 I was offered a job in construction as a groundworker. I loved it and progressed really well and and now at the age of 54 a senior construction manager and early next year am moving to Australia. My wages went up and down a bit and I did a lot of self development and have worked for a lot of companies, I have been on the books but prefer freelance/limited company work and I can earn more now in a day than I used to be paid for a week.. My point is have a look around and see what you want to do, assess your own skills and develop yourself (in my experience companies will only develop you if it benefits them to do so) apply for jobs even if you think it really does not look like you will get it, take interviews (you don't have to take the jobs but every success at interview will build your confidence) don't be down hearted if your not successful at interview after all it is a learning curve. Register with agencies like I say you don't have to take jobs. get your CV up to date and maybe even have it done professionally for you it does not really cost that much and can make all the difference. That's a bit of my story and just a bit of advice that might be able to help, good luck and I hope you find something that fits the bill for you and makes you happy. Also you may find that the managers at your current place may well not want you promoted because you are too good where you are and that is their fault which if it was me I would be letting them know (ambition is a good thing). Bit long I know but Rant Owa
Agree with that. In my days as an employee I used to go to 3 or 4 interviews a year, often with no intention of taking the job, just to keep my interview skills sharp
