As news continues to break about company closures and job losses, more and more people are having to deal with the reality of redundancy. Alex Papadellis, formerly a mechanic with Caseys garage in Castlebar which closed down last October, has been living through the struggles of life after redundancy for the past eight months.
“It was a shock to hear I was losing my job, after over six years with the company. When you think you are safe but the next week you learn you're not, you get to worrying about the future.”
For three months the news was still only sinking in.
“It was very upsetting for my family. I had never been without a job and suddenly found I couldn't sleep at night. But I was always a positive person and knew I had to be strong. People supported me and were nice. They gave me a few odd jobs.”
A happy disposition on its own won't cut it when it comes to paying the bills however and Mr Papadellis has also taken practical measures to move forward. Participating in business networks events and working in tandem with the Mayo Enterprise Board has helped to get his name out there as he sets about establishing his own business as a mobile mechanic under the Government back to work scheme.
“Once I get registered to have my own business I will be fully operational. My mobile business means I will go to people's houses or to their workplace to carry out minor repairs and service cars. You won't have to go to a garage or take time off. I will also tell in advance what the work will cost.”
Working with Mayo Enterprise Mr Papadellis plans to get more equipped with a bigger van.
“There is good support out there and if you're good to people and don't rip them off, it is appreciated. Motor parts shops also give me good prices and I can pass them on.”
With so many terrible stories filtering through about the Greek economy, how are things really in his native land now?
“We see it looking bad with the riots on TV but the real difficulty is that people are living in almost poverty. Wages are terrible, on average €800 a month, and pensioners have to live on €340 per month. I still send money home when I can. Compared to Greece, we live like millionaires here.”
His tips for surviving redundancy?
“Look for an idea. Think of something you can do well and go out and do it, because it will never come to you if you sit back. If you don't have idea you must start reading books, the news, use your head, do something but don't just sit back. Food on the table will not come if you don't go and get it from the shop.”
