Amanda’s new chapter: Returning to work after 10 years

After ten years out of the workplace, Amanda found the thought of returning daunting.

“I had been out of work for 10 years because my youngest son was taken ill. I had worked all my life then I had to give up work to be a carer.

“Ten years is a very long time. I wanted to go back to work but it felt scary. I also really struggle with anxiety.

“I was applying for about 10 or 15 jobs a week and not hearing anything back. It was deflating, not even getting an acknowledgement. Yet I was trying so hard.”

The rejection was tough to handle, and Amanda admits she arrived at employment support provider Seetec in a fragile state.

Finding support – and herself

From day one, Amanda felt understood.

“The Seetec team were so lovely and understanding. The first thing they did was make sure I was ok and said I could take my time.”

One of the first steps was arranging counselling.

“They sorted me out some counselling and I will always be grateful for that. I felt in a much better place and the counsellor gave me tools to help with my day to day living.

“They helped me to put myself first. Now, if I struggle, I’ve got things written down in a book. It’s really good.

“I always felt that the people at Seetec really wanted to help you. They wanted you to do better for yourself and saw you as a whole person.

“They wanted you to get a job and were really rooting for you. They would ask about family and my life.”

Rebuilding confidence through courses and workshops

Amanda began to rebuild her skills and confidence through courses and workshops.

“I loved coming here, I really did. I did lots of courses, from confidence building to mindfulness, interview workshops and a health and social care course. I would also attend job club which was really helpful in focusing the mind to apply for jobs there and then, with help.

“I also did digital skills which was really helpful as I wasn’t so good at going online. They got me a laptop, and I learnt to send emails and even did a couple of interviews on Teams which I felt really good about. It all helped to build my confidence.

“It was the first time in a long time that I felt seen.”

Taking a chance

Amanda’s breakthrough moment came when she almost did not apply for a role at a local care home.

“I wasn’t going to apply for the job originally as I didn’t have experience of working in a care home. I was at job club and Stephen told me about it and said why don’t you try it? And I thought, I might as well.

“So I did. They texted me back within the hour and asked me to come in for an interview.”

The interview proved to be a turning point for Amanda.

“When we had the interview, it’s just a lovely place, as soon as you walk through the door, the people and residents are lovely, the lady interviewing explained they would do the training and then just said ‘When can you start?’

“Well, it was the best feeling, that’s all I’ve wanted is someone to give me a chance. Yeah, I was really pleased.

“Working nights was important to me too so that I can still look after my son during the day and it all fell into place.

“I’ve got three grown up children but I have always been there for them and wanted that to continue. As well as being there for my dog during the day.”

New skills, new confidence

In just a short time, Amanda has achieved far more than she imagined possible.

“I never thought I would be confident enough to work in a care home. Now, I’ve now got my licence to distribute medicines so I’m hoping I might even be able to work up to be a senior carer at the home and that’s all thanks to the courses that I’ve done. Yeah, it’s brilliant.

“Do you know in the last few weeks I’ve also been going out with my friends? We’ve been going to bingo. And I never went out before. I haven’t been out for years. Even my boys at home have said it’s like someone different. It’s so lovely.

“I keep telling everyone that I’ve got a job. I’m so pleased and grateful. And it is all down to the help that I’ve had from Seetec.

“I would definitely recommend to anyone coming in. Just be open to anything that’s offered to you.

“I came with an open mind and look at me now.”

Pride from her adviser

Amanda’s employment adviser, Amber, has witnessed her transformation first-hand.

“When Amanda first came to us, she was lacking confidence, was nervous and anxious. Yet she got involved in so many things on her journey and since then, her confidence has just grown and grown.

“Getting a job shows exactly what Amanda has achieved herself.

“We gave her some tools but the hard work was all her and she’s really shown what she can do.

“She tried every step of the way and threw herself into training.

“Now her hard work has paid off and we’re really proud of her.

“It’s a really big deal and she absolutely deserves her success!”