The Right Choice

26 Jan 2010

For a long time I had been in a fairly dark place. I was unhappy, angry and desperate, had virtually no self-confidence and hated myself. Basically, I was severely depressed. My turning point came when I was fired from a job I despised.

Looking back, being fired was the best thing that could have happened to me. It was the kick in the pants that I needed. Because I didn’t have a job, I couldn’t afford my rent. Thankfully, my parents had a spare room they were able to offer me. So, I moved north and into my parents’ place. I’m lucky they’re really supportive and that I’m able to talk openly with them. Everyone needs at least one person they can turn to when they need to talk.

Even though I had a roof over my head, I needed some form of income to cover my bills, so I went to see WINZ. As a condition of receiving my benefit, I had to do a course. That was how I was put onto The Salvation Army Employment Plus. I spoke to Bronwynne and was placed on the ‘Right Choice’ course.

The course was brilliant. It was the best thing I could’ve done and came at the perfect time. Some of the work is tough as it really makes you look at yourself and sometimes pushes you out of your comfort zone. But it really is worth it.

Things in my life keep going from strength to strength

Doing the course helped me realise what was really important to me and what I really wanted to achieve in life. It helped to shift my focus from all the bad stuff in my life, to where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do. It helped give me a sense of purpose. The support and friendship that I received at The Salvation Army Employment Plus really helped as well.

As soon as I started focusing on the good stuff, things started getting better. I started to find a lot of jobs that I was interested in and that I could apply for. I ended up with a few interviews and just as I finished the Right Choice course, I was offered a job in an area I was interested in. I accepted that job and haven’t looked back.

Things in my life keep going from strength to strength and I can’t thank The Salvation Army Employment Plus enough for all their help. I love my job, I’m in a great flat with awesome people, and I’m happier than I have been for as long as I can remember. Things are getting better by the day, because I still use the tools I learned on the Right Choice course.

The biggest lesson I’ve learnt in the past year is, if you are positive and put your mind to it, you can achieve your dreams. Take a chance. Make a choice. And take that step to a brighter future.