The success story of Roland

For quite some time, Roland (51) worked as a sales associate within a hospitality wholesaler. Until an industrial accident occurred for which he had to undergo several operations. "Then there comes a point when you have to think about your future.

Roland ended up in a second track project at Puls. Initially he hoped to return to his own work, but this was no longer possible. Roland: 'The job was becoming too physically demanding; you walk all day and lift heavy items, you can't do that if you are physically impaired.' Together with my employer and through a Occupational health assessment, we came to the conclusion that there were no more opportunities for me internally. That was the moment when the realization came 'I'll really have to look outside my own employer'.

Step by step broadening your view

The^second track project at Puls gave me tools to find out what I like and what suits me best. By means of various (interest) tests and personal conversations with my^2nd track consultant Natascha, I got a better view of suitable opportunities. Subsequently, I undertook as many job application activities and practical orientations at various companies as possible in order to be able to funnel to positions that fit me best. Especially through the taster days, you all gain valuable experiences that you can take back with you to make the right choice. Make sure you learn more about the organization in advance, for example through the website or contacts you know so you know where you will end up. Really use that time to get a good impression and try to get the most out of it for yourself so that after that period you will know if there is a match. By asking the right questions, you can get a good idea of whether the work, atmosphere and colleagues suit you. And also stay yourself, so you can also properly explore whether this company is really for you. I experienced this process as very helpful and also made me feel more and more confident to take the next step!

More is possible than you think

Roland now works as an assistant work supervisor in the staff canteen at a social development company. 'Before joining the company, I first went through a number of job shadowing days to find out whether the work suited me. Then I started with a one-month trial placement and additionally a secondment agreement. And now I am officially entering employment! As an assistant work supervisor, Roland focuses on guiding people in a target group such as autism or a low level of education. 'I supervise people with their activities in the canteen, checkout work and placing orders, among other things. You need patience in this job and I really enjoy guiding others and letting them grow so that you can make them a little more independent. I myself had my own catering business for many years and find that this knowledge comes in handy in this job. It is nice to notice that my previous work experiences can come together here. This way you discover that more is possible than you think!

Getting used to a new step

In the beginning I was still very loyal to my former employer and the process within the^second track was a bit difficult. I had to find my way again and get used to the idea that I would be doing other work. Partly you have to deal with the disappointment of losing the work you had and you don't know what will come in return. That's quite an uncertain period to be in. Especially because at my age I was convinced that I was going to do this work until retirement. And the fact that you're in recovery on top of that makes it all a bit of a search. Eventually I found peace because I recognized that I was not alone. I saw that people wanted to help me and wanted the best for me, I just had to cross a threshold to open up to other options and say goodbye to my current job step by step.

Look forward instead of backward

By actually closing the opportunity to return to my old employer for myself, it created space to work with my Consultant to pick up the threads and look to the future. I had to be honest with myself and face reality so that I could take a step forward. My consultant helped me and together we shifted the focus to what I could do. You are not alone, even if it feels that way at first. '