Carol had planned on having an early retirement and filling her days with a host of leisure activities. It was her son’s persuasion that made her re-think her plans.
With little computer knowledge and skills then, Carol was initially hesitant about looking for a job. But all that changed when she saw a poster at the South-West Community Development Council (CDC) encouraging people to step out and return to the workforce.
Stepping Out
Carol quickly signed up with the Career Centre at South-West CDC, and was placed under the guidance of a Career Officer, who enrolled her into the WSQ Employability Skills programme to align her with the working environment.
“The training was very comprehensive and refreshing. It covered many useful topics such as ‘Personal Effectiveness’, ‘Communication and Relationship Management’, ‘Problem-Solving and Decision-Making’, and ‘Use of Microsoft and Excel programmes’.
“I especially liked the classes on computer skills as it updated me greatly on IT tools that are commonly used now. Those sessions also provided a lot of hands-on practice which helped me gain confidence quickly in using the computer independently,” Carol said when asked about the training experience.
While going through the course, Carol’s Career Officer patiently walked her through her strengths and explored options with her as well. He also suggested courses that would improve her employability, helped her with her resume and arranged interviews of jobs that suited her.
Working With Residents
Shortly after completing the WSQ programme, Carol happened to chance upon various openings at the People’s Association and she sent in her resume, without expecting much. However, with her newfound host of skills and prior job experiences, she quickly secured a job as a RC Manager.
“I was very happy when I received the appointment letter. All my family members congratulated me on landing a job so quickly,” she recalled with a wide smile.
Working at a RC Centre currently, Carol assists Residents’ Committees (RCs) in reaching out and engaging residents in the neighbourhood. She joins them too in making house visits and organizing communal events like block parties.
Whenever activities, events and courses are planned for, she helps promote and market them, as well as form and develop Interest Groups. In addition to these, she takes care of operations matters at the RC Centre and provides administrative support for the various committees under it.
“I can use my past experiences in managing the many different aspects of my work. The job also gives me lots of opportunities to interact with people from all walks of life – something which I enjoy very much.”
Enjoying Work-Life Balance
Outside of work, Carol enjoys spending time at home and with her large family. She often spends one of her two rest days catching up on housework and cooking a sumptuous meal for her family. And she reserves the second day for relaxation and her favourite activity – shopping.
“Coping with work and home is not a problem since my son has grown-up and I can adjust my work schedule to complement my hubby’s. My family also understands when they see that I’m tired or I’ve just had a stressful day. They give me the space to unwind and wait till I’m ready to talk.
“I’m very grateful for my family’s support. It’s all thanks to their encouragement that my return to work has been so smooth. Their continual understanding has made me realize that it is the family’s support that can motivate women of any age to go for skills upgrading and take up a career again.”
For more information on Employability Skills WSQ, click here.
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