When I first went to see a National Careers Service adviser, I was suffering with anxiety and depression. I was also an insomniac and had COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) – a progressive lung disease which means I have to use preventers and inhalers regularly. I had been unemployed for over a year and my main problem was a lack of confidence. This was as a result of losing my long-term job through redundancy.
“I slowly opened up”
I met my Careers Adviser, Sally, for the first time at my local job centre and met with her a number of times after that – as much as I needed. Working with Sally, I slowly opened up. She was really helpful and boosted my confidence. I received help updating my CV and we created an action plan. She took me through all of the tools on the National Careers Service website which are really helpful for job searching. Sally also showed me how to use Google Jobs and encouraged me to use Facebook. I actually ended up finding a job on a Facebook Group!
As a result, I was successful in initially securing a job at KFC, and later went on to secure a full-time job as a Warehouse Operative with Amazon. I love it! Although the job is currently only temporary, I’m aiming to apply for a permanent job next month.
“My confidence has improved massively”
My confidence has improved massively and I feel so much better as a result. I’m now so much more outgoing and interact well with people. I’m slowly returning to the old me that I was when I was last employed and I feel fabulous.
I love the fact that I have money and I am able to afford stuff. My health has also improved significantly – I am now sleeping at night and I use my inhaler much less, and my preventer only once a day. I feel so much better. I’m actually looking forward to paying my rent for the first time myself next week. I have dropped a dress size and my confidence has soared. I feel great.
