That smile...that's what we do it for!

The door opens cautiously. In front of Britte Warnaar stands a woman, the pain and worry on her face. She radiates that she has not had an easy life. Carefully she holds out her hand. Britte introduces herself as a counselor from Puls.

Together we will look for suitable work for her. She knows this has to be done and is necessary, but it is clear that she wants to continue doing what she has enjoyed and fulfilled all her life. And even though it has been hard work and that very heaviness has caused her to be in this situation now, that is what she wants. The body is worn out. And that is exactly why she cannot continue with her current employer. The emotion can be seen in her eyes.

Resistance

My work begins. With a cup of coffee within reach, I start by explaining the 2nd track process we are embarking on together starting today. I try to explain clearly what we and the organizations involved expect of her, but also what the obligations are. I sense resistance to the route to be taken. When I ask if she understands the various steps in the process, the answer is invariably "yes, but..... It is clear that she only wants to return to her current job. While she also realizes that this is not possible. I show understanding for her situation and arguments, but refute her objections.

Own environment

Again during these interviews, it is clear that a home visit has many advantages. In her own environment, this candidate feels comfortable. That makes contact with her somewhat easier. Especially when there is a situation in which it quickly becomes clear that suitable replacement work is not readily available, given her lack of education, knowledge of the Dutch language and knowledge of computers. In addition, she suffers too much from her disability to do any physical labor at all, but at the same time this is all she has ever done.

What can be done

In the coming months I will be in frequent contact with her. Together we will see what suitable work is available and what she would most like to do, how we can improve her Dutch and how she can prepare for the upcoming job applications. Every 2 - 3 weeks we will discuss her progress. As much as possible in person at her home in a safe environment. This way we slowly but surely work towards the moment she can start working again. Perhaps first in the form of volunteer work to check her load capacity, to get back into the rhythm of work and to experience the positivity that there are certainly still possibilities for her. Carefully we move from mourning her loss of her own ability and loss of her own job to looking at what she can still do. To then lead her back to a paid position that will give her as much satisfaction as her old job.

The cover

After a difficult start full of resistances and objections, pain and sorrow, our final appointment to conclude the 2nd track process has arrived. I receive flowers and homemade cookies, tears flow and I get a big hug, because despite the continuing pain she has regained confidence and faith in herself, she feels mentally stronger, has contacts again and is active in society. Her grateful smile.... that's what I do it for!