Michel's success story

Michel was mentored by counselor Erik Beelen at 2nd track . "In October 2018, something "broke" in me. What seemed to be a simple overstrain became a long running sickness trajectory. Initially taking a few months of rest and thinking about returning to my old job. This had to work...."

Looking for what I like?

Unfortunately, after 3 months of careful rebuilding and reintegration, the man with the hammer came. Around September 2019, the low point was reached. For the second time, I was completely at home. Now what? By now I had been sick for almost a year and a "2nd track" was initiated. Again the umpteenth agency which was going to interfere with me. I had a hard head. From Occupational health assessment it came to light that finding suitable work with another employer would be the path. I had to look for "what I like". After more than 27 years in Sales, I really didn't know. It was precisely during this period that I came into contact with Puls (Erik Beelen). My employer offered me a number of reintegration agencies after which I could make my own choice. After an initial introductory meeting, it became clear that Erik could empathize with the situation very well. Many of our conversations focused not only on work but also on my private situation. It was also a difficult situation for my partner and young children. Erik immediately recognized the difficult situations and discussed them with me.

Building work rhythm

Erik indicated that it was important to start building work rhythm again. I decided to volunteer at the food bank. Through Erik the interviews were started and the contracts drawn up. During the three months that I worked here, Erik was present on the work floor several times in order to discuss with me my possibilities and shortcomings. And yes; it was confronting. Eventually the work became too monotonous and I was able to reintegrate at Tekno via a former colleague as a logistics employee. Here too the discussions with Erik and the employer were held and a work experience position was a fact. During the period I managed to work more and more hours. After 6 months the work experience place was converted into a secondment agreement. It is now known that this agreement will be converted to an annual contract at the end of the 24 months of illness.

Upward Line

Throughout the entire period Erik kept in constant contact with me. Also in other matters such as: compulsory job applications, applying for a WIA at the UWV, struggles with the Occupational Health and Safety Service and other administrative matters Puls has made a positive contribution and I was relieved of everything. I notice that my work-life balance is becoming stable again. I had to fight hard for it, but the upward line has been found. As difficult and annoying as burnout is, I will miss the conversations with Erik.