I've been a member of IFSQN for some time but not logged on for over a year until now. I'd been in the food industry (mostly dairy) for 30+ years in a variety of roles. My last being Quality Manager for third party manufacturers and logistics. I was made redundant around this time last year, wonderful, with only a few years to go before I was pensionable, but alas I was not to see out my quality career with this company.
It was an Annus horribilis in 2025 for me, being made redundant, at the start of the year, my father losing his battle with dementia, my mother having a car crash and having her licensee suspended, my own health issues - heart attack, a close cousin died from cancer, and ex work college also died from this serious disease (brain tumor), he died within four months from diagnosis. I think being made redundant was the least of my problems.
I decided I needed to keep in touch with the quality world and decided to log back into IFSQN, but unfortunately everything was still linked to my work information and I had no access, now thanks to Simon, I'm back.
I'd been looking for work, but for the quality jobs I'd applied for, I "didn't meet their criteria," of which, with my years of experience and qualifications I believed I'd more than meet their criteria, except one, that one shall not talk about, and I think that links to my YEARS of experience.
So I've decided I'll continue to be retired and be a good house husband, cooking, cleaning, washing, gardening, etc, while my wife continues to work to help pay the bills, well I did it for 40+ years. I guess it's her turn, she had 30 years raising the kids and looking after the house while I worked. I will be supporting my elderly mother when she needs it, being her taxi and doing the occasional maintenance jobs at her house.
If something comes up in the world of quality I'll have a look, but only part time because I currently have other priorities now.
I'll certainly check into the forum on a regular basis and see if I can help, and hopefully still learn what's happening in the world of food quality.
