@Ric Marriott thank you. The mind is starting to think about a change, but coming from a well paying industry to switch probably means a significant drop in salary while I learn. That said, I’m still ploughing on with my own thing along with applying and networking to see if that helps. Sadly with the growth in unemployment and the use of AI to pre-vet applications it appears having 25 yrs experience makes you stand out as being older (& therefore more expensive) in an industry where youth is cheaper and more desirable. But I’m trying to keep smiling through it all, as I won’t find a new role in the bottom of a pint glass!

@Bob Ellender thanks Bob, it certainly wasn’t what I had envisioned happening but it’s great news now I’ve become accustomed to it. Retraining is something I’ve thought about but finding something that pays well and I’m passionate about is a challenge. I‘m currently in the process of developing my own consulting business, it’s slow going but I’m getting positive feedback and my contacts in the industry are proving supportive. I’ve even written an article about ‘Payment Sovereignty’ based on what solution is available if Trump switched off UKs access to Visa/Mastercard/PayPal etc. it doesn’t pay, but it raises my own profile and I’ve been asked to write 4 more articles. I missed out on a job recently, ironically to someone who I introduced to the same recruiter. Don’t get me wrong I’m over the moon for the person and I do believe in Karma, I just hope some good comes my way soon though lol

I tend to shut down and close myself off. Although I’m the guy that is all smiles that hide my own battles however bad they are. Probably not a good thing but I deal with things in my own way so as not to create stress in others lives

@David Sanham it comes from always being a Big brother and looking after everyone else before me. It’s a habit that’s ingrained in my psyche from a very young age, I’ve been put on this earth to look after others before myself

@David Sanham to be fair it can be anyone that wants to take non-cash payments for their services. So could be someone selling merchandise through a website or who has a store(s) on the high street. The past 11 years I’ve been helping companies expand internationally but that’s not to say I can’t help companies selling to UK consumers. While I’m not a Fraud Expert, I’ve the knowledge to help guide companies on some simple measures that can protect them.