Hi all,
I am your typical, highly stressed office worker, plugging away in a big corporate machine and have been for decades, too long than I care to remember.
As with most big companies, they restructure often and people get laid off in the process, and as I get older, more tired, and less motivated to work in this hectic and energy sapping mode, I find myself asking whether I would have the minerals to force myself into the next machine should I end up redundant.
All of which brings me onto my question: does anybody know whether RAV supports a complete career shift/retraining for lost souls like me? Assuming they understand and accept that the stress levels are having an affect on my well being. Just curious if you have experience of this, or know of somebody who has.
Many thanks!
No, it is insurance against losing a job & you are required to look for work & accept any job so the insurance does not need to pay out more money.
If you are unable to work for medical reasons you are not entitled to RAV payments
Good morning,
As far I know, here in Vaud, the answer is nop.
Curious to know if it is federal or no.
Regards,
As FMF said,it is an insurance. So yes, this is in all of Switzerland.
Nope, but what they do support is a reduction hours. So if you are fired from a 100% job, and only want to accept 80%, then this is fine. But your ALK payout is based on the 80%, so you only get 70% of 80%...
I certainly understand your situation and am in that place myself. RAV is there to keep you employed and contributing towards their insurance plan. Therefore, the answer to your question is no.
However, I had a friend who was working in the bar industry and actually wanted an office job. RAV told her she had to continue to apply to bar jobs. She did as she was told to and even picked up some shifts when they were available. Simultaneously, she applied for jobs in the field she wanted to work in. With a lot of hard work, she was able to find the job she really wanted on her own and is still there today.
Start thinking about your next move now before you are made redundant. You have more freedom at this time to get to where you want to be than when you will be on RAV.
All the best in your pursuit of happiness! May we all get there.
They will support you to find work in a related careeer. For example, if you are an IT Project Manager, you could sway them into moving into a Software Engineer job. They don't know what they are talking about. Ask for training in what you want to do, and apply to the jobs you want.
I think it is a cultural thing rather than a RAV issue. Swiss generally are not positive about changes in career direction. That is starting to change especially as so many youngsters do an apprenticeship in one field and then work in another. Also more and more 40+ people are losing their jobs rather than being pushed sideways as they were in the old days. If you ask around there are many people who have made changes and can offer advice; also RAV may have information on training schemes.- no harm in asking at your local office.
The OP might want to read the following paragraphs at this RAV link on (English):
Training grants Induction grants https://www.arbeit.swiss/secoalv/en/...hmenliste.html
What is your job function and where would you like to end up if I may?
Have you considered doing an MBA (even part-time)? Great way to shift your career focus and gather your thoughts in the meantime.
All the best
In general, RAV's goal is to remove you from RAV as soon as possible, however, as mentioned:
you can identify a training program which will boost your chances to get back to work soon and RAV may sponsor it, should they find your arguments convincing. Typically this involves some professional certificate programs and/or language courses.
Technically this means that RAV won't help you to make a crazy career twist, but you may gradually shift (over 2-3 job changes) to what is more appealing to you.
First of all, identify what you really want to do long term. Then do due diligence (through friends and online research) if that job really is like what you imagine and you can make a living on that (the grass is always greener, and you know it). Then create a strategy how can you gradually shift to your desired job/field over 2-3 job shifts.
It won't be easy, and you may need to be able to commit serious time and financial resources to learning. As a "stressed office worker locked in for decades", are you really ready for such a commitment?
How would a MBA get you out of the corporate world?
While it won't get you out of the corporate world, it may put you up the food chain. Meaning, that that there will be not only more frustration coming from above, but you would be able to translate it below with a relief (hopefully)
Overall, I find MBA of little value these days. Better sharpen/learn particular skills which are essential for your "dream" job.
Just a disclaimer, this was just a general idea where the outcome is pretty much based on what you do with it.
An MBA can give that edge in the professional world to:
1. Justify your choices/changes with recruiters
2. "Adjust" your professional brand if you want to strategize a little to reposition yourself
Be it a start-up, a big corporate or even your own business.
Note that the OP mentioned "a complete career shift/retraining".
The value of the MBA itself, indeed maybe not much, but:
1. if it's a good school can really strengthen your profile
2. gives you the freedom to change career path and get a promotion for your efforts
3. incredible network which will help along the way (in the end, these guys will be or already are decision-makers of some sort)
Hope it helps!
Most people that make a huge investment for an MBA both financially and in terms of the effort required don’t get the pay back. Reading books is a better solution in my opinion.
I personally would refrain from career change, as you'd be starting in a field where you have absolutely no experience in. I'd rather focusing on building a second source of income, which you could ultimately replace your current profession with. There are only a few fields, where you can start with little or no prior experience with (lifeguarding, delivery driving, etc. that sort of stuff) and they may be limited because of age.
To answer your question, RAV does support a career change, granted you can come up with a plausible reason on why their funding of a course/certification will enable you to find a job REALLY soon.
If I were you, I'd talk to your employer and see whether you're able to obtain unpaid leave for a sabbatical. This should give you a break and maybe provide you with the chance to clear your mind and reduce work-related stress.
I'm curious if you made any changes here?