Well M and I got some bad news on Monday. We had to wait to today for it became official but as of 15.00 today it has become official: M has been made redundant.
We moved down to Brighton and bought this flat in part because of his job. Sun, sea, sand and a new fresh start after the horrors of our last flat. Now the job is no more. The management powers that be have decided not to go with game development in the UK after all and has shifted development back to California and Asia. After being head hunted for this job only five months ago that is a bit rich no?
Well on Monday night I cried, was very worried and worried some more. My immediate thoughts were: losing the flat we both love, affording the mortgage, being in debt, me trying to get a job back in finance, having to move back to London… M seemed less concerned and was a complete trooper reassuring me.
After some phone calls and emails and the official company announcement today things seem a bit brighter. M is bloody good at his job and in the UK games community is well known and well liked. So, he has some interviews lined up already and his feeling positive. I am trying to stay positive too but I am not of a naturally sunny disposition as M.
His company seem to realise what they’ve done and are offering reasonable redundancy packages. Quite a few people moved here from London, bought homes and moved families to work at this new studio. Thank god we don’t have kids to worry about too, just us.
The main thing worrying us is that M will have to take a job in Surrey (where lots of game studios are based) or London, which means a big old expensive commute from here taking three hours plus out of his daily life. Or having to buy a bloody car for said commute if the trains don’t match up. Walking to work is just so much better. Let’s hope a local job appears.
Oh well, this was also just the day for my back to go ‘twang’ too. I am typing this lying on the floor as I can’t sit down. Damn sciatic nerve.
Wish us luck.

September 11th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Your frustration is understandable. I’m keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
September 15th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Oh dear, I am so sorry. What rotten luck. Fingers crossed and all that.
Not sure whether this is cheering or not but I have really enjoyed following your renovation stuff and you have given me a target to aim for (get rid of all IKEA furniture).
November 15th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Bea, I’m so sorry to hear your news. I’ve been rubbish in keeping up with reading blogs, and I’ve only just stumbled across this entry!
Hope things are looking up for you ?
Hugs,
Cx