A 3 year warning just arrived

Hi Reader,

‘WA TO GET MEGA UNI’.

That was the headline staring back at me as I unrolled Sunday’s paper from the driveway.

For those outside WA, the State Government is exploring a proposal to merge Curtin, Murdoch and UWA into one enormous university.

Personally, I think it’s a terrible idea.

And after years of talking about it, we’ve now got an expert panel preparing a business case, due mid-2027.

Which got me thinking about the 9,756 staff working across those 3 universities.

What would I tell them?

Well, let’s look at the timeline.

If the merger goes ahead, senior management could be first in the firing line. After all, one university hardly needs 3 Vice-Chancellors.

And Minister Tony Buti has already said senior management positions won’t be protected.

For everyone else, the Government has proposed a 2-year job guarantee following any merger.

So, potentially, there’s a few years to work with.

And I’d be rubbing my hands together.

Why?

Because I’ve been made redundant 3 times.

I’ve also had one spectacular career crisis where I was so miserable in my job that I couldn’t stand another day.

And here’s what those experiences taught me.

It’s bloody hard making good career decisions when you’re desperate to escape your job.

It’s even harder when you’ve just been handed a redundancy letter, and the bills keep arriving.

Funny how they don’t take a holiday.

So, what would I do with a few years’ warning?

First, I’d reconnect with people.

Not the awkward ‘Hi, remember me? Got any jobs?’ approach.

Actual relationship building.

Kevin Turner has a brilliant Network Power Audit that helps you identify 25 people worth reconnecting with.

Start there.

Then I’d get curious about what else I could do.

In fact, I’m doing exactly that.

A few weeks ago, I spent time shadowing the Early Careers team at Water Corporation.

And it got me thinking.

Could I see myself managing a graduate or vacation program for a large corporate?

Maybe.

What skills/experience would I need? Who should I talk to? Would joining an association like AHRI be worthwhile?

Am I leaving ECU?

Nope.

I’m happy where I am, and my job is secure.

But 4 years into a role doesn’t mean I should stop wondering what else I might enjoy doing.

And if you’ve got absolutely no idea where to start, career practitioner Lois Keay-Smith is someone worth talking to.

Because redundancy rarely arrives when your finances are sorted, your confidence is soaring, and you’ve got 3 exciting job offers on the table.

Usually, it’s the opposite.

Suddenly you’re trying to work out what you want, where you fit and who’s hiring.

All while calculating how long your savings will last.

I’ve been there.

Three times.

So, if someone handed me a few years’ warning that my job might disappear?

I’d use every minute.

And if the whole ridiculous merger never happens?

Great.

You’ve built a stronger network, explored your options and given yourself more choices.

Not exactly a terrible outcome, is it?

~Lisa

Your Q&A

Should I Ask My Current Boss to Be a Referee?

Hi Lisa,

I’m progressing through recruitment for a principal position and have been asked to provide 3 referees. Unfortunately, one of my preferred referees has a family emergency and isn’t available right now.

My backup option is my current boss, but I’ve only worked with him for a month.

Would it be a mistake to use someone who has known me for such a short time?

Andy

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Hi Andy,

I’d ask your current boss.

Yes, you’ve only worked together for a month. Hardly enough time to discover who keeps stealing the good biscuits from the staffroom.

But there’s something useful about having your current manager willing to support your application.

It tells the panel two things.

First, you’re being upfront about your intentions to progress your career.

Second, your boss is supportive enough to put his name behind you, even though he hasn’t known you long.

That’s a pretty decent signal.

And while someone who’s only known you for four weeks can’t credibly speak about years of performance. Your other referees can do the heavy lifting there.

Thanks for writing in.

~Lisa

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This information is for general purposes and doesn’t consider your individual circumstances. It serves educational goals and isn’t formal career advice. Always seek personalised guidance tailored to your needs.

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