My many years of experience
is appreciated!
After 44 years working at Stork, Tonny decided she could no longer continue and that it was time for a new chapter. She no longer connected with her manager, and the high workload also took its toll, so she reported sick. Together with HR, she considered her options and ultimately chose an outplacement program at MEPD to guide her toward a new job.
Didn't consider other options
‘I always assumed I would work at Stork for my entire life,’ says Tonny. ‘Even though I didn’t have a connection with my manager anymore, strangely enough, I didn’t think about other options. Meanwhile, the workload kept getting heavier. At some point, it just became too much. I was on the verge of burnout and called in sick. During a walking meeting with HR, I was asked if I really wanted to return. That was quite confronting. But it planted the seed for me to consider other options.’
Seed planted for a new step
‘That thought started to take root in me too: I was actually open to a new step. I called HR to ask what the options were. They offered me plenty of recovery time and an outplacement program. That suited me. I used the time well to recover, and from the moment I spoke with Joost from MEPD, I was truly ready to start looking for a new job.
Positive feedback and confidence
Joost’s guidance during my search was very helpful. I hadn’t applied for jobs my whole life, and I really needed the help. The self-reflection, help with a pitch (who is Tonny), and practicing interviews were all really beneficial. But most of all, the positive feedback and the confidence he gave me is what stuck with me the most. It was exactly what I needed during that period. No matter what, your age gets in your head: Who wants someone who is 62 years old? But that turned out not to be an issue at all. I posted my resume on several platforms and was actually contacted almost immediately. A position as a staff planner at Kind & Co came up and I had a really nice interview. I actually started a few months ago, and it’s going very well. I get along well with my manager and have great colleagues. It’s rewarding work, and it gives me energy!
Should have made this change earlier
Looking back, I sometimes think I should have taken this step sooner. Fear of not finding a job at my age held me back. But times have changed. The experience I bring is clearly valued by many companies,’ says Tonny.
You can read more about outplacement here!
