Getting another Job at Sixty ?????

Getting another Job at Sixty ?????

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Sam99

Original Poster:

297 posts

179 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
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There are two threads running on here at the moment – One, Walking away from the Money and the other Trapped in a Good Job.
I feel I could put this in either , so started my own ....

About 18 months ago I was in full time employment and was offered a job in Iraq, working Off-Shore on an Oil Terminal. Not an Oil Rig, a tanker Terminal.
Shifts - 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off – though with travelling it works out at around 5 weeks away and 3 at home.
Money was pretty good so that was the deciding factor.
The downside being the living conditions and accommodation. Appalling , I generally live on baked beans , corned beef , Pot noodles and Pringles – anything that’s just about tinned as the local meals are Iraqi and you soon get fed up with rice , fish and some sort of fatty meat.
Shower block is a converted shipping container as is the accommodation.
12 blokes and one toilet and one shower.
This is not an Ex-Pat Compound, it’s an Iraq Terminal.

In the time there, I have cleared my outstanding financial commitments and saved a bit into the bargain and I’m thankful for that opportunity.

I have just turned 60 and live alone, though I am seeing someone. Why I said that is because there is only one income in my household. I am thinking of leaving very soon, but as said earlier the money is good and I’m worried about getting another job at my age. I certainly wouldn’t get another job doing what I do where I live. I don’t want to retire but would like to down size my job. I would like to live at home and work locally.
I’m ex forces, so I have a Pension, but I don’t want to live on my savings should I not get another job.
My claim to fame??? I have been un-employed once since leaving school – for 3 days when I left the military.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated – Thanks.


rog007

5,778 posts

230 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
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It's all about the money I sense. How much do you really need? Find a job that delivers that. If that means staying where you are then get on with it or be prepared to compromise if you don't want to be there any more. Good luck!

mildmannered

1,231 posts

159 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
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If the pay is really that good that you have been able to clear some of your commitments etc. I'd be tempted to give it another year or two, saving as much as you can, so you can return to the UK debt free + savings and be in the enviable position of being able earn just enough to keep the wolves from the door. Either by a menial job, part-time, consultancy within your own trade (if such a thing still exists in the UK?) or whatever takes your fancy.

I'd offer to split the shifts with you, I'm pretty partial to kabsa smile

Sam99

Original Poster:

297 posts

179 months

Friday 6th May 2016
quotequote all
Thank You for your replies.

Initially it was about money.
I was able to clear all my outstanding financial commitments , that was why I went there.

I think what I'm trying to say is I am worried about leaving this job , with nothing to go to , and being unable to find further employment.
I could live on my Military pension , but I feel I need to work.

Thanks








condor

8,837 posts

254 months

Friday 6th May 2016
quotequote all
There's plenty of jobs you could do - but you'll probably have to go self-employed.
What service type skills do you have? Odd job man, painter/decorator, gardener, dog walker are possibilities smile

rog007

5,778 posts

230 months

Friday 6th May 2016
quotequote all
OK; so you have a pension to support you and it's about your ability to work. There are no end of possibilities if you readjust your perspective; think more widely and it's also an opportunity to do something you'll enjoy rather than just a neans to pay the bills. It could be a mixture of work you enjoy and volunteering to support others; could be quite fulfilling!

Good luck!

anonymous-user

60 months

Friday 6th May 2016
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Your gig sounds like a pretty rough one if I'm honest. I don't know of any western expats living like that out here.

My advice would be to stick it out until the oil price picks up a tad and when more jobs become available (which they will) try and land a role as PSD with G4S, Erinys or Olive Group on the Rumaila concession. You already have Iraq experience and I presume some tours in hostile environments? That should put you to the top of the pile.

Those guys are either in private or 2 to a room accom on a camp with western, Indian and Iraqi food doing 8/4 or 9/3 rotations.

Also, what type of travelling are you doing that takes half a week to get home?

Robbo 27

3,721 posts

105 months

Friday 6th May 2016
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I was in a similar position, little bit older than you and I was working with AMEC doing Middle East Contracts, high salary lot of pressure, enough cash put by that I didnt need to work and no outgoings other than petrol, food and council tax.

I thought sod it, dont need the aggravation.

Two years down the line and I miss work and the interraction with people.

Sam99

Original Poster:

297 posts

179 months

Saturday 7th May 2016
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Thanks for the advice

Double Time - Thanks but I’m not in Security, I’m an Engineer

Having thought about the other comments, yes I think a Self Employed something or other appeals.
Travelling – This is booked by my Company so I have no choice -
Place of Work – Basra – Dubai – Manchester – 2 days.
And the same for returning
Thanks for your comments and support

Sam

Kermit power

29,464 posts

219 months

Saturday 7th May 2016
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If you feel you have to work, but don't feel you actually need the money, then is there anything you feel passionate enough about us to put in some serious volunteering hours on?

If I could afford to walk away now, I'd happily do so and spend 2-3 days a week volunteering for the local wildlife trust or something. It would keep me fit and active, I'd find it satisfying, and feel good about giving something back to society on my own terms rather than just feeling my blood pressure raise whenever I look at the tax deductions on my pay slip, and I wouldn't be beholden to anyone, so if I decided to go off and walk the South West coastal path end to end or something on a whim, there'd be nothing to stop me.

In a nutshell, I'd give up paid employment in a shot, but I'd have to find something to keep me active.

andyb28

811 posts

124 months

Saturday 7th May 2016
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I would say, use the time and save the money to plan starting your own business.

I spent 12 months in a contract from hell (not the conditions of yours I might add), it was good money and I ploughed the money into my little company building it to the point that I could walk away from contracting. Still running my own company 12 years on with 8 people working for me now.

Obviously you don't have to go large, it can be a small lifestyle business for something you are interested in.

mr_spock

3,365 posts

221 months

Friday 20th May 2016
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Can you spend some of your surplus income on somewhere better to live while you're working?