Jim .

Started an Excel course and ended up in Risk Intelligence Service

Joined a Band O Development Course: Take every opportunity to work outside of your silo Got a Mentor: Invaluable if you want to progress in your chosen field Studied basic and intermediate excel: Learn and practise the tools of your trade and their practical applications.

I manage a Portfolio of Projects and work in a Digital Space.

I manage a Portfolio of various projects within a directorate of HMRC. I deliver and maintain Digital Management Information through various Office 365 applications. I coach within my Team and Directorate to upskill colleagues. This was not the career I started with when I joined the workforce originally. Redundancy while devastating is not the end. I can share my story. Join/volunteer for everything. Build a network of support no matter what job you are in.

Variety, autonomy and continuous improvement......by accident.

I love having scope to tackle issues as I see fit and not being micro managed. I love building a network of contacts to support my work as I don't know everything and am relatively new to my position. I love making a difference and providing support and facilitating in a small way to get the funding for essential national services. I love finding ways to do things more efficiently and smarter. I really love my latest job and happy to share how I got here by accident.

Believe what all the advice says about finding a mentor.

Find a mentor you are comfortable with. Be prepared to take honest constructive feedback. Create a support network...it's easier than you think.

Teaching an old dog new tricks....

There is life after redundancy even though at the time it is devastating. It took me 6 years to build a new career and even though I thought I did not want more responsibility again I grew into it with the help and support of some good people along the way. My wife said I wouldn't like my new job however I did. I've learned so much in the digital space however I still have loads to learn and would encourage others to do so too.