Today is not a good day.

It should be a good day but it isn’t.

I’ve started the programme of career guidance to give me some pointers for applying for jobs and finding work.

The preliminary stage involves a series of questions about how I think most people would behave in various business and personal situations.

Then a whole load more questions about how I would behave in those situations.

Then even more questions about what sort of jobs I would most or least like to do.

I know it’s meant to be helpful in directing my efforts after redundancy but I find the whole process time-consuming and ultimately pointless. It didn’t tell me anything I didn’t already know about myself.

I’ve worked in 24-hour news for 30 years including many hours of live broadcasting where you have to think quickly on your feet.

Our survey said … I am proactive, positive and show adaptable behaviour.

I’ve spent 35 years as a journalist and have an interest in magic and theatre.

Our survey said … I should look for jobs in the arts, media and entertainment sector.

I decide to put the whole process on hold for a couple of weeks. I feel I need time to be in a more positive frame of mind if the guidance is to be of any benefit.

I’m aware of the Change Curve attributed to psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross who studied grief and bereavement.

For the first time, redundancy feels like a bereavement. In terms of the change curve, today I’m definitely at the second stage: frustration, anger and depression.

I hope I can move on to the stage of acceptance and happiness.