Fifty-seven-year-old Gerard from Prenton near Birkenhead decided he wanted to change the way he works
After working at the autism charity; ‘Autism Together’, for eight years, he decided he wanted to swap the office environment to a work-from-home one.
“I enjoyed every minute of working in an office, however, I have over 10 years left to work before retirement,” Gerard tells us.
“It was time to change the way I work, and I’ve always wanted to work from home. I had done it before and knew I wanted to return to that way of working.”
“My previous job was too hands-on, with medication and care to administer, to be able to work from home, so I knew it was time for a new career path.”
Gerard decided it was finally time to give us a call; “I first heard of the National Careers Service in 2004 and have always kept it in my back pocket,” he says.
“Then, just after Christmas, I decided to get in touch, and that’s when I spoke to Lisa. She gave me an action plan, helped me find a course and offered some great advice.”
Building skills
When Gerard was planning his work-from-home career step, he knew how important computer skills would be;
“Lisa told me about some computer courses because I wanted to brush up on my skills as I would need to be using one a lot.”
“I enjoyed my course; it made me less anxious of my computer and technology.”
Since speaking to Lisa, his National Careers Service adviser, Gerard has completed his course and now has a sales job which he can do from the comfort of his own home.
“At the start, it was a bit overwhelming to step out of my comfort zone and start speaking to people. But I’ve grown a lot since then.”
“With it being a remote role as well, you have to make sure you are fully committed to it.”
He also adds; “It’s all about fulfilment and happiness. I have a good family life and health so a great job is the icing on the cake.”
Lisa says
Lisa, his careers adviser adds; “Once Gerard got his job, he used me as a practice customer so he could get more experience and it was impressive, he knew the business inside and out.
“Gerard has been so proactive. He decided this year he wanted a change, upskilled and I wasn’t surprised at all when he told me he’d taken the plunge.
“I’m so happy he got in touch and we got him over the line. I’m sure it won’t be long before he’s training new staff himself.”
Gerard has already started spreading the message about the National Careers Service;
“I have told my 19-year-old granddaughter about you guys and my 16-year-old grandson who has just finished his GCSEs.”
Thanks for being an ambassador for the National Careers Service, Gerard. We wish you the best of luck on your future career journey.
If Gerard’s story has inspired you and you’d like more information, or need any support and guidance relating to any aspect of your career journey, give us a call on 📞 0800 100 900 or visit our website at 💻 nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
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