Case study: Natalie

Charlestown: receptionist

I had two children close together. I was determined to go back to work, but as a lone parent, finding jobs to fit around my family responsibilities was really difficult.

I first went to Skills and Work because they offered free resources like the use of the telephone and internet to help me with my job search but the service I got really went beyond what I was expecting. My advisor Janet was really supportive and understanding and she helped me with all sorts of practical issues from advice about on-the-job benefits to how to perform well in interviews.

A vacancy came up for an administrator at the Skills and Work centre, I attended and my advisor put my name forward for the job. I got it and now I'm really enjoying it and working towards becoming an advisor myself.

Being at work has made me more confident, I have met good friends and I feel in charge of my life. Getting a job is the best thing you can do for yourself, for a better life.

This page was last updated on 3 October 2009