Just found out that half my department is going to be made redundant. Business hasn't been good for some time, and now they're giving people the chop. I've worked there for 15 years - not a high flyer by any means, but just an honest guy who does his best and tries to support his family. I'm really worried. I haven't been given the chop in this round, but my utilisation is down and who knows what the future holds. To top things off, the department is like a little family unit and I would feel like I'm kicking my brother in the balls if I told my boss I was leaving for greener pastures. What should I do? I've not been in this situation before and I'm so worried about it all. I know that sounds fairly pathetic coming from a 45 year old man, but I'm the only income earner in my household and have financial commitments that are already stretching my salary each month as it is. I'm even worried about what I would do next.. I'm at that age where I do need to be home at the evenings and weekends, partly because of family commitments but also because I no longer have the physical stamina to endure extensive travel and long hours like I did 15 years ago. Help! What would you guys recommend I do in this situation?

David you need to lose the loyalty to your current boss PDQ - in this situation you need to put yourself and your family first, and you can assume everyone else will be doing the same. It's time to go. Now. Do not wait to see how things develop, and don't hold on to the hope you will survive successive rounds of cost cutting. You won't.

If he feels the same loyalty to you, it might help him if you move on - if he's struggling to control costs, your utilisation is down and he can't bring in more work, it could be best for both of you to move on.A frank conversation with him might be of real value.

As always, MAD is completely correct.I was in a similar situation to yours a few months ago and agonised over handing in my notice at the exact right time, so as not to disadvantage my boss, who I had a lot of respect for.I came up with the best possible date and was still criticised for not telling them sooner - before a new offer was confirmed! I saw my old boss last week and he didn't remember any of the details and didn't know it had ever been an issue. He'd moved on and so have I.I would also suggest you start looking around, calling your favourite agencies etc. A quick search on this forum will reveal the usual favourites - BLT, Consulting Point etc.Good luck!D

are the guys getting pay outs? This is the key factor. If they are and you have been there 15 years, it could be time to cash in. Get your CV organised though, start checking out the market. This is not disloyal, it is pragmatic. The ideal situation is that you get made redundant with a nice redundancy package, have a month off and move on to a better paid job! First day of the rest of your life and all that. You will look back on this as the best thing that ever happened to you. Also, you wiull have a strong network of former colleagues dotted around the industry if your next move does not work out so make sure you are ultra nice and supportinve to all your colleagues. The person getting made redundant now, could be reffering you into his/her new company tomorrow.

One other point I would like to add to this - very constructive from all contributors - post: David if you feel loyalty towards your boss (maybe you have become good mates?) then moving on may in fact enable YOU to help HIM. Companies like to hire through referrals, and often where there is a chance of a pied piper (i.e. others following your lead through your introduction to the company) it can enable your future employer to build capability in x area cost effectively, quickly and securely because everyone you can bring with you is a known and recommended quantity.Just a thought.