Overcoming Adversity: John's Journey to Employment

My name is John. Life hasn't always been easy for me. I didn’t have much education other than grade 12, and I faced substance use disorder, incarceration, and a back injury that kept me out of work for nearly a decade, reducing my chances of finding my way back into the workforce.

In June 2024, everything changed when I discovered WorkBC. Initially, I lacked a resume and had weak computer skills. I was more familiar with in-person job searches and didn’t know how to navigate online job searches. Being a 55-year-old Indigenous Person, survivor of violence,  with only a high school education and a significant gap in my work history, the prospects seemed overwhelming.

Fortunately, other residents of Phoenix Recovery Centre told me about WorkBC. Their success stories inspired me to believe that I, too, could turn things around.

At WorkBC Centre Guildford, I found more than just job search assistance. I found a team that believed in me. Working one-on-one with my employment counselor, we crafted a resume that emphasized my strengths and not my weaknesses, such as my employment gap. They also provided basic but crucial computer training that empowered me. Most importantly, they understood my situation and supported me practically, providing work clothing once I secured a job offer.

Today, I am proud to say that I am employed full-time as a painter. I am grateful for the support and guidance from WorkBC Centre Guildford. 

Looking back, I’m grateful for the positive experience at WorkBC. Additionally, having support for expenses when starting a job is definitely helpful. They didn’t just help me find a job; they helped me regain my confidence and self-worth.