Inspiring Lalnunpuii’s career change

“I’m a single mother who has been disabled for over a year and a half now. I was made redundant soon after I became disabled and had been debating going through career change versus going back into my old career. My main challenge was my physical disability, for more than half a year I couldn’t walk at all, then I started walking with the help of a cane but I’m still unable to sit for long. On top of this, I suffer from two other chronic conditions. 

“I’ve been an Abri customer since 2018 but I’d not required help from Abri until I became unemployed. The manager of my local Community Centre put me in contact with an Abri colleague who in turn put me in contact with Vicky, an Abri Employment Coach, about getting help from Abri’s Employment Services. 

“Vicky helped me with writing my CV, and together we looked at options regarding my career and a possible change due to the impact on my health and disability. She was so helpful in assisting me with searching and applying for roles that might be of interest to me. And when I had interviews, she put time aside to go through the possible questions and responses, also helping me analyse any offers I received.  

“This was a big help as I needed someone in my corner so that I could still fulfil my role as the mother and sole provider of my two young boys while looking for a job/career that wouldn’t further aggravate my back injury.  

“I appreciate the help and insight Vicky provided me with regarding the career options I was considering. As coincidence would have it, Vicky had worked one of the roles I was interested in. So, she was able to help me prepare for the interviews and weigh the pros and cons. Without her advice, I would’ve been a lot more desperate to accept job offers that were both financially unviable and time consuming. After weighing all the pros and cons, our talks motivated me to go down the route of starting my own business. I’m currently looking at online training courses alongside my market research and looking for a space to rent. 

“The thought of starting out on my own is frankly scary and daunting yet exciting at the same time. The uncertainty of when I’ll break even or pick up clients and establish my practice makes me nervous. But, on the other hand knowing that the risks I take could lead to a good income and work-life balance while leaving me available emotionally, mentally and physically for my children spurs me on with excitement. Also, it was suggested by one of the back specialists I consulted that I’d need to change my desk job if I want to get well in the long run so I’ve decided to put my health first. 

“Vicky was very approachable and accessible. No question was too silly and our talks have given me confidence in my qualifications and experiences. Overall, Abri’s Employment Services have been brilliant and helpful.”