Pretty_Vast_4585's journey

I recently faced an unexpected layoff from my role as a Sales and Business Development Engineer at a newly established chemical trading company in the UAE. I was headhunted for this position due to my technical background and industry experience, and I was genuinely excited to contribute to the company's growth. In my first month, I successfully brought in a UK-based company as a potential business partner and was actively involved in various business development activities, including handling RFQs and negotiating with suppliers. My manager praised my performance and included me in discussions about future projects, which made the sudden termination all the more shocking. There were no prior warnings or discussions about my performance, and my manager's behavior had only changed shortly before the termination, leaving me confused and without closure. Now, as I turn 29, I'm trying to navigate this setback and consider my next steps. I'm exploring the possibility of offering my services independently in business development and technical sales while searching for a full-time role. I'm reaching out to see if anyone else has experienced a similar situation in the UAE and if independent consulting is a viable option in this market.