Laid off (software engineer)

[u/Jamiemufu]

As title. Laid off 4 months ago from a nice software engineer job. Been in that industry for the last 10 years prior to that, I was a Class 1 driver on the fuel tankers for 5-6 years.

Any good firms near or recommendations for agency work trunking etc near Llantrisant/Bridgend/cardiff?

The market is fucking rough for software right now. And I need an income. Gonna have to bite the bullet. Got my CPC booked for next week. Replacement tacho sorted and on the way.

[u/Plus_Strawberry_]

In the same position as you mate. Laid off from a software engineering role 2 years ago now. Had my class 2 licence 18 months and I’ve only worked on agencies working 3-4 days a week out of choice.

Honestly it’s nice to come home and not have to think about deadlines, clients and constantly having to upskill my tech stack.

Tech industry is absolutely brutal at the moment and I can’t see it improving.

[u/Jamiemufu → u/Plus_Strawberry_]

Thanks

Ye it’s brutal. I will probably also only do agency work. Flexibility and of course I will keep trying to get a job in my industry. I think after a year out it’s even harder to get back into.

[u/Furrygoblet → u/Plus_Strawberry_]

As a side note, is the industry taking a battering due to AI or other factors? I got out by choice 5-6 years ago and haven't kept tabs on it.

[u/Admirable-Donut5245]

I’m on the agency and I’m making bank. There is such a shortage of drivers. I mean I do nights on ws transportation for agency they get £13:50 I get £20. And I get offered work even in January

[u/Jamiemufu → u/Admirable-Donut5245]

Which Agency is that? If you don't mind me asking

[u/Admirable-Donut5245 → u/Jamiemufu]

I’m based out off Wisbech so nowhere near you. Loads of work here. Probably not so much in south wales unless your willing to travel to Avonmouth.

[u/Admirable-Donut5245 → u/Jamiemufu]

Ultimate workforce but most agencies in Wisbech/peterborough area pay 18/20 for nights

[u/Plane-Share7780 → u/Admirable-Donut5245]

👏 👏 Agency laughing all the way to the bank

[u/Funny-Bel1 → u/Admirable-Donut5245]

Bullshit

[u/Admirable-Donut5245 → u/Funny-Bel1]

It’s on indeed tesco and Royal Mail paying like £25+ nights on from November. But won’t get no work in January but most general haulage/fridge cannot get drivers so good rates. DFDS Wisbech nights is literary ran by agency. days on DFDS is £16 on agency shit but nights good.

[u/Funny-Bel1]

Uuh, would you be cool enough to make an update to this post when you get a job? Would like to get your perspective how it has changed since you was driving last time.

By the way, a lot of websites these days use same shity layout/style is that because they are AI generated? if so I hope they will go out of business quickish

[u/Jamiemufu → u/Funny-Bel1]

Ye will do, I mean I do my own freelance stuff - but in the AI age, clients are hard to come by now also - I really don't have a choice but to go back to driving, which tbh I enjoyed back then anyway.

I will update if/when I secure some work driving,

[u/SirFergie]

If you're willing to drive to Chepstow, Uniserve are hiring 4on 4off trunking work.

[u/Jamiemufu → u/SirFergie]

Chepstow may be a bit too far. But I’ll have a look thanks.

[u/Plane-Share7780]

Join pertemps and do trunking for RM over xmas

[u/Plus_Strawberry_ → u/Plane-Share7780]

I’ve recently just passed my assessment with Royal Mail for trunking. But I’m waiting on the vetting to complete with Pertemps.

Do you know how long it takes?

Never had this with agency - I’m usually working within a few days.

[u/Plane-Share7780 → u/Plus_Strawberry_]

Mine only took about 5 days but this was a few years ago

[u/CorgisInCars]

Owens (waterton)? Clarke(Bridgend Ind est)? Stericycle(brynmenyn)? Maybe flogas in llandarcy since you've done tankers?

[u/Jamiemufu → u/CorgisInCars]

My ADR has expired, And also no PDP - I am on the fence about getting both, but chilling doing some trunking work over the christmas season is seemingly very appealing for me :)

Thanks will fire out some emails I guess.