Financial independence – Stacey’s story

Unsure on how to begin her job search, Stacey joined Better Working futures, where she met Employment Adviser, Josie. With little IT experience, Stacey struggled with online job applications and didn’t know what job roles to explore.

“When I first started the programme, I was in a right pickle, with self-doubt and overthinking everything. I had been out of work for over 10 years, and I thought I’d never get anywhere with my job search.”

Josie supported Stacey by identifying her existing life skills and life experiences, demonstrating how to include these on her new CV. She successfully completed several of our in-house courses: Digital Inclusion, Interview Skills and Effective Job Searching which gave her the confidence for the next steps of her job search.

From the Digital IT Inclusion sessions, Stacey felt more confident with the use of computers, email accounts and job searching sites and she began applying for jobs independently with guidance only from Josie when needed.

“Josie has helped me a lot, directing me to the right places when I felt down and giving me someone to talk to. I’ve built up my confidence towards things I couldn’t do before, like IT, job searching and interview skills. Better Working Futures have helped me so much!”

The money management sessions really benefitted Stacey, as this provided guidance on paying bills manually, and the financial transition from receiving benefits to being in paid employment.

Josie provided Stacey with vouchers for new interview clothes and reimbursed her travel costs, to ensure she had a smooth transition back into employment financially, and with in-work support for the first few months.

“I feel things are really looking up for me, I’ve been offered a full-time job in care, which is something I’ve always wanted to do, but felt I didn’t have the experience. Overall, my life is moving in a better direction, and I am excited to start my new job.”