I got a new chance
after being laid off
After working for 14 years in the assembly department, Hanan heard that the company was relocating to Poland. This meant her position was discontinued. She was forced to look for a new job. Through the organization, Hanan came into contact with MEPD and her coach Marleen. A few months later, Hanan’s career took a surprising turn.
Different from the others
‘I realized very quickly that I was different from the others during the group meetings,’ Hanan says. ‘They were confused by the layoff and didn’t really know what they wanted. I did. I had a goal: I want to work in healthcare. I just had no idea how to go about it. As a foreigner, the rules are different here and you also often don’t know what steps you can take. Marleen helped me incredibly well with this, I’m so happy with her!
Training as a healthcare and welfare assistant
I wanted to work in a retirement home myself. I would have been hired there, but only as an assistant. Marleen and my husband encouraged me to get a diploma. Then I can work as a fully qualified healthcare professional. That was exactly what I needed. I’ve already started the ‘healthcare and welfare assistant’ course. Marleen figured out how everything (also financially) could be arranged for me. The course takes 1.5 years. I’m keeping busy with school and really enjoy it. The study material isn’t difficult, but I notice that I don’t fully master the language yet. I’m sure I’ll get better at it. And the fun part: after the summer, I’ll start an internship at the retirement home anyway and I have high hopes that I can stay there.
Huge push
Earlier I had already told my employer that I would like to switch to healthcare. The director literally said: I’m going to help you. He wanted to help me because I had always worked hard. But the director was laid off, and with that my chance was gone. I was so disappointed. The layoff now therefore felt like a new opportunity to me. Marleen gave me a huge push in this: This suits you, just do it, call them, take action, etc. And as you can see, everything we discussed came true. I can’t say enough how grateful I am for the help Marleen has given me. So here I am, making a career switch at 50,’ says a smiling Hanan.
Joanne Bouwers
Career advisor
What makes me happy every time is that you can really make a difference for people. It can be small practical things, such as a WW application or a motivation letter. But also providing insight and brainstorming to give direction to a dream for the future.
