How Irene rebuilt her life and career with support from the National Careers Service
When Irene reached out to the National Careers Service in the South West, she was at a crossroads, not just in her career, but in her life.
Having recently left an abusive relationship, she was beginning the long process of recovery, carrying the emotional weight of starting over in her late 50s.
After 24 years in health and social care, and more than a decade before that as a schoolteacher, she knew she needed a change.
“Sandy truly changed my life”
Everything changed when staff at the Jobcentre referred Irene to the National Careers Service.
That’s when she was connected with Sandy, a careers adviser who didn’t just see a CV; she saw a person.
“I’d had help before, but the way Sandy spoke to me, she really listened. She made me believe in myself again.”
Sandy asked thoughtful questions about Irene’s experience, education, and aspirations.
She helped her recognise the value of her background and reframe her skills for a new path in administration, a field where Irene could still support others, just in a different way.
“She knew how to help me articulate my transferable skills. I’d been applying to over ten jobs a week.
“But after Sandy helped me tweak my CV, I applied to only three and got called for an interview for the very first time.”
Before meeting Sandy, Irene had been tirelessly job hunting, but nothing was coming through.
Despite her wealth of experience, the lack of responses slowly chipped away at her confidence.
Out of frustration and a desire to regain routine, she began applying for roles she was clearly overqualified for, just to get out of the house. Still, the interviews didn’t come.
With each rejection, Irene felt increasingly invisible, her qualifications and dedication seemingly lost in the crowd.
“If your CV doesn’t represent you well, you won’t get anywhere. Sandy showed me how
to put myself across clearly and confidently.”
Gaining confidence and a new career
With Sandy’s encouragement, Irene completed an Information, Advice and Guidance course recommended by the National Careers Service.
“That course made a huge difference,” she says.
“I knew how to answer the interview questions with confidence, and I think that’s what helped me land the role.
“I’m now working in an admin position at a GP surgery, and everything I learned, from communication skills to setting boundaries, has been so relevant.”
More than just boosting her skills, the course demonstrated her commitment to a career change and showed that she’d used her job-seeking time proactively. It all helped her stand out in the interview process.
“Sandy told me, ‘You just need to get to the interview, once you speak, they’ll see it.’ And she was right. I walked out of that interview proud of how I’d done. Even if I hadn’t got the job, I’d still have felt proud.”
Courage at 58 and a workplace that welcomes her
Changing careers at 58 is no small feat, and Irene had her doubts about whether she would fit into a new workplace. But those fears quickly faded.
Her new environment is welcoming and inclusive, with colleagues of all ages, and she truly feels like she belongs.
Though they’ve never met in person, Irene describes Sandy’s support as life-changing.
“She understood me through a phone call. She didn’t rush. She asked the right questions and gave me space.
“That kind of empathy is rare. I wish I could meet her in person to say thank you.”
Surviving domestic abuse and rebuilding with purpose
Irene doesn’t shy away from her past. After fleeing an abusive relationship, she was placed first in a hotel, then in a safe house.
“I kept working in health and social care through it all, but I was falling apart inside.
“Eventually, I told my employer I wasn’t performing at 100% because of my personal circumstances.
“That honesty was what led me to get help and seek a career change altogether.”
When she began working with Sandy, Irene shared her full story, knowing that only by being honest could she receive the right guidance.
“When I mentioned wanting to support other women experiencing abuse, Sandy gently suggested that I focus on healing first, while also recommending other career paths that might be a better fit for me at this stage.
“And she was right, it’s too recent and too soon. I’m not there yet, but I will be.”
The CV was just the beginning
What started as a simple CV review quickly evolved into something much deeper.
“Sandy didn’t just fix my CV. She helped me find my confidence again. Abuse strips that away; your self-esteem, your belief in yourself. But she helped me see that I had so much to offer.”
Now, a few weeks into her new role, Irene is not only excited about the future but also deeply grateful for the support she received.
“When I thought of changing careers, I imagined I’d be out of work for a year. But the support I received changed everything.”
A message to others
Irene hopes her story will resonate with others who may feel lost or stuck.
“If you’re struggling, don’t wait. Contact the National Careers Service. There’s real help out there and it works. I’m living proof.”
And every day, that proof becomes more real.
“Every time I drive to work, I think to myself: I’m going to work. And that’s huge. When you’re unemployed, it affects everything – your mental health, your confidence, your sense of purpose. This job gave me my life back.”
Need support to begin your own new chapter? Access free, personalised careers guidance from the National Careers Service. Call 0800 100 900 or visit nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
