I would just wait until they make you redundant. No point in going any earlier than you have to, as you will lose some income when on the dole. Just don't do anything that could give them reason to sack you. When they do give you the notice, you'll have a couple of months at full salary when you can start looking for new jobs in earnest.

I believe you are actually entitled to take some time from work to look for new jobs when you are given notice. It would be a good idea to talk to your local unemployment office about your options as soon as you have been given the notice. It'll also make them better disposed toward you when you turn up looking for cash, the day you are actually made unemployed (IF that happens, you never know).

Then, when/if you're on the dole, start learning German. Also line up other courses/training that might be useful and see what the unemployment people can facilitate.

Of course, as a non-German-speaking foreigner (ie. not German or Austrian), mere German may not be enough. If you don't speak Swiss-German you could find yourself at a disadvantage with many small Swiss businesses when looking for work.

All in all, if you are relying on learning the language to get work then it could be a long haul....... It seems like family circumstances dictate you remain in Switzerland, that's a bit of a pain if you are in niche work.

However, you'll have up to 18 months to work on the lanugage and look for work, with a reasonable income in that time - so as long as you stay positive and apply yourself you should be OK.

Gav