My brainstorm came up with some really good ideas that in an ideal world and money no object I’d be up for. However I need to be realistic, after all my main job is Dad

So my actual plan has 3 parts.

Apply for a new job in a small startup/design agency local to Aberdeen. The reality of finishing my PDA is a 6 month average  wait for a Cohort to get a coding job (***edited - 6 is the time it takes half the codeclan cohorts to start a job - but it's weeks not months***). This number is based on a job in Edinburgh so in Aberdeen this could be longer in the current climate. 

So Ideally in a job I want:

• to be able to help build a business
• to have the effort I put in be directly related to how the business performs
• to be using my PDA and expanding my coding skills but still using my existing control skills
• to be designing websites or apps
• to be creative (I like building things)

This is my first choice... I would like to be part of something and have colleagues to see and work with each day. However applying for a new jobs seems to be a different ball game these days.  I have applied for a few recently, and companies (mainly agencies) do not bother acknowledging your application of even get back to you.

One company came back to me but refused to tell me why my application had been unsuccessful as is it was not company policy to do so, is that somewhere I would like to work?

Also recent advice is to spend a lot of time tailoring application to job vacancies.  I spent a day applying for a job I really fancied and was well qualified to do but after only 5 minutes of emailing my application I received a negative response. 

So if the average is 6 months to get a new job I’ll use the time wisely and in an appropriate amounts.

A pipe dream for many years was to start my own business, however I grew up with my Dad who had his own business and I know how hard it can be so I am cautious.  But hey if I have time on my hands why not get something started.  I have had www.udnysolutions.co.uk parked for a while now.

So what would Udny Solutions do?  I have a few skills I can offer and see what happens.

• Small business web design and update service
• Technical author for ops manuals and tech documents
• Human machine Interface design and evaluation
• Help and advice in getting chartered
• I also have a couple of App ideas that I need to develop now I have the skills.

I have had a small side hustle for a few years now.  Its low income mainly donations via commissions and craft fairs to help with therapy for my youngest Son.  Thomas was born with Cerebral Palsy and requires help with his motor skills.  He attends a brilliant school Craighalbert centre in Cumbernauld.  As a parent I have to fund this myself.

Udny Designs has been covering this for 2 years now and has been going well (we are already on track for this year)

So the plan here is to expand and formalise it into a real company.  Adding to the website, making it easier for people to order items, and have some additional products. All to help Thomas. (www.UdnyDesigns.co.uk)