After deep lows, better times will come!
At MEPD, this participant ended up in a second track program: Depressed, and mentally and physically exhausted. Due to the work situation, she was caught in a downward spiral: High workload, frequent manager changes, and the constant feeling of walking on eggshells. The moment she heard that she was exempted from work, the lights went out for her. Conversations with a career coach ultimately gave her the confidence to re-enter the job market. Recently, she has taken up a new supportive role at a technical organization, where she feels very comfortable. Her message: Being loyal to your employer is good, but don’t let it come at the expense of yourself!
Let it out and get back on your feet
‘At my previous employer, over the last few years, I increasingly felt uncomfortable. I always felt that if there was a problem, it was my fault, and my critical perspective was mostly seen as negative. I wasn’t good enough, my attitude and behavior bothered others, but when I asked who or what exactly, I never got an answer. That quickly broke down my resilience. I drifted further and further away from myself to fit a desired mold. Eventually, it escalated and I was relieved from work. A second track program was started and I was coached by career advisor Daniëlle. I literally could cry with her, share my story, and express my frustrations. Everything was allowed, without any (pre)judgment. There was someone opposite me who saw me, heard me, and understood me. She also made me realize that I do, indeed, have talents. That I am valuable, have qualities, and can contribute. She also regularly asked, “What do you want?” I had actually never asked myself this before. Because I had become so distanced from myself, this was also very difficult to answer. Over time, I was able to answer it more and more. The mirror that Daniëlle held up to me, and the examples she provided, gave me a lot of insight and, above all, the confidence that I am allowed to be here.
Step by step
Step by step, I noticed that I was in a (for me) unhealthy work environment; I was ready to let it go. MEPD submitted my resume to an organization that invited me for an interview. That went well, as did the follow-up interview with two direct colleagues. By now, I have started there in a new role: providing support to a team of engineers. We all still have to figure things out and get used to each other, but it feels right. It’s a real men’s world and that appeals to me: Nice and direct and uncomplicated. I can be myself and the atmosphere is good. I like to help, support, and enjoy meticulous work. This role brings all of that together.
At the end, the light shines
It’s been almost two years. When I look back, I think: I was too loyal to my employer, at the expense of myself, mainly driven by fear of the unknown. I am very happy with where I am now and can hardly imagine that I once felt so miserable. Yet, at the time, it felt very real and intense. If you find yourself feeling so low and disconnected from yourself, and you’ve lost all resilience, you feel depressed or worse, my advice is: Seek help. Don’t keep it to yourself. Go to your GP and talk about it. Because, believe me, at the end of the tunnel, there is light.’
Daniëlle Hummelink
Career Advisor
My passion is coaching people in their personal growth and development. It gives me a lot of energy and job satisfaction. I wish that for everyone.
