A year ago I lost my job and had to go on O.W. I got evicted from my apartment, was forced to turn my pets over to the Human Society, and ended up going into Unity Project.
Then I had to deal with depression, feeling useless, and lack of self-pride and worth.
I started looking for work, and quickly found out (and was actually told) that a 53 year old man was too old to find work. I didn’t have a clue about Pathways or even what they did when I walked through their doors. I initially went in to see about a forklift course, and Natalie (Receptionist at Pathways) recommended I come in and talk to an employment counsellor, so she booked an appointment with Caroline. Caroline talked to me about what Pathways could do for me – and after receiving the information I took Forklift, First Aid/CPR, WHMIS, EES-2 (Getting the interview), EES-3 (Getting the job) workshop.
When I started with EES-2, I was a bit closed minded, thinking “I am a 53 year old man, I know how to get a job.”
But as the course with Christina started, I realized I was getting a lot of valuable information. (Yes, even a 53 year old can learn things, lol). After the courses, I found I was applying what I learned not just in my job search, but also in everyday life. I started talking to people directly using eye contact, speaking with confidence, watching my posture, and projecting a positive attitude.
After the course I found a contract in manufacturing. I am currently on layoff but am still actively looking for Shipping/Receiving/Warehousing jobs.
Today I have more confidence and a sense of self-worth, plus the forklift certification to aid me further in my job search. My experience with Pathways has been nothing but spectacular!! Everyone has been right there to help in any way possible. If you are truly trying, the employment team will do everything possible to help. It is a nice feeling knowing you have someone in your corner so to speak.
Photo (Left to right): Caroline Lacalle (Employment Counselor), Douglas Bradley, Christina Rastin (Employment Counselor), Shane Jack (Light Industrial Training Facilitator)
