Success story 2nd track: "Unless you have another gem"

Choosing a 2nd track is usually not voluntary. Many candidates have enjoyed working in their current positions for years, but due to health problems - temporary or permanent - they can no longer perform their jobs. This was also true for a candidate I, Harm Boer (career and reintegration consultant at Puls), spoke to recently. She was recovering and expected to return to her current job within a short time. "I've enjoyed doing this work for years and just go back," she said firmly. "I also wouldn't know what else I would want to do, unless you have another gem."

That last comment caught my attention. "What do you mean by that?" I asked.

"Well, in my spare time I'm into photography and video. If I could make a living from that..."

"Shall we explore that?" I suggested. She responded hesitantly and mostly saw bears in the road: "I have no education, no experience..." and so on. I understood her doubts, but also know that the saying "It's not what you know, but who you know" often holds true. Therefore, I advised her to start networking.

Many candidates find that exciting. Networking sounds businesslike, but in essence it is nothing more than a conversation with someone in a field you want to explore. Through a mutual connection, such a conversation is easier to engage in and less fraught.

I made a contact for her in the film and video world. She was allowed to visit and even got the chance to spend a day on a production. An instructive and inspiring experience. The transition to a paid job in this sector proved too big, but she decided to buy a good computer and practiced plenty of video editing.

It did not lead to a new job, but it did teach her how to network. And once she mastered that, she soon found a position that suited her better than her original job. Last week I saw on LinkedIn that she had started at her new employer, with a proud picture in her new uniform.

2nd track guidance

Puls ' career and reintegration specialists guide your employee to a suitable workplace as a sustainable solution. Can we support your employee in a successful return to work? If so, please contact us without obligation.