I've been through it, and found the sessions very energising - the tough bit is going home and following all the advice....

In the end, I copped out, and never went for another job (but that's another story).

However, something I now wished I had got hold of was this - apaprently you can get outplacement counselling that is not directed at getting you another job, but at starting up your own business.

To me, in my middle aged and 'working from home' fixation (I jsut couldn't bear to have to trek in and out of offices five days a week etc)(Yes, I know, not people can bear it, but they have no choice....!) - I would be far more interested in setting up a business, not getting another job.

There's so much about setting up a business that is completely alien to me - everything from VAT to expenses to 'what is cashflow' etc etc. I would have loved some advice sessions on that - a tutorial in 'how to start your own business'.

I dare say ther is that advice around, it's just that I could have done with it being provided free by my ex employer!

So, just a thought, in case the idea appeals to you at this time, if you have the oopportunity to get it.

Best, Julie.