The horse hair has snapped

"The Sword of Damocles is an often-used allusion ... epitomizing the imminent and ever-present peril faced by those in positions of power. More generally, it is used to denote a precarious situation and sense of foreboding, especially one in which the onset of tragedy is restrained only by a delicate trigger or chance. It can also be seen as a lesson in the importance of understanding someone's experience."

If thats all to cryptic then let me clarify - yes, the uni is discontinuing my position, will examine options for my redeployment and where or rather when, no opportunities can be found I will be retrenched.