Ken Stoodley - Back to Work!
I am in the fortunate position of having recently returned to work, after a lengthy period of being on income insurance, Newstart and disability benefits as a result of an illness.
As my illness was largely of a mental nature and had been induced primarily through work stresses and pressures I was uncertain of my ability to successfully return to work, fearing a recurrence would cause me to let down both myself and any prospective employer.
I was able to overcome this in a variety of ways, working with David, Belinda and Rodney at Personnel West, an understanding psychologist and the Life and Career Centre.
Personnel West helped me work through my resume, work and life experiences and identify my abilities and the positives of my experiences. This allowed me to better target prospective employers rather than worry about what I couldn’t do.
The Life and Career Centre offers a 5 day course, resume and job search strategies. The course represented different things to many of the participants however I found it to provide a focus for my direction in life and again allowed me to focus on my positives while also giving me an insight to deal with some of the negatives. If anyone would like any further information I am sure Garry, Lesley or their team would be more than happy to talk to you (ph 4639 2688).
I was able to secure a part-time position (3 days per work), which has allowed me to gradually return to a work situation and regain my confidence, while acquiring new skills. This arrangement also suits my employers as the work load does not justify a full-time position. We are quite happy that as I contribute to the growth of the business further opportunities will arise.
This position was gained through an advertisement in The Chronicle, however Rodney from Personnel West also had an opportunity to discuss the position with my employer as they know each other through Rugby Union.
The best advice I can give is to persist in your efforts and to spread your network of contacts as widely as you can. The more people who know what you can do and are available the better the chances that success will come.
- Level 1, 462 Ruthven St
- Phone: 07 4632 7444
- PO Box 1404
- Fax: 07 4639 3959
- Toowoomba QLD 4350
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- Wheelchair access via Annand Street entry. Click here for location map.
