Finding the perfect work-life balance

Restart Scheme helps Lisa find perfect part-time role

Lisa Farrington, 46, from Kingston joined the Restart Scheme in May 2022 after being out of work for more than a year, while raising her child.

Lisa had previously worked for 14 years in the hospitality industry at a private member’s golf club, having worked her way up from a Server to an Assistant House Manager. When she was furloughed during the Covid-19 pandemic, the break from work gave her the opportunity to rethink her career.

Once furlough ended, Lisa continued to care full-time for her child and realised that family life was more important than anything else and consequently, any future employment should accommodate this.

After her child started school two years later, Lisa planned a return to work, enrolling on a course to train as an electrician, with the ultimate goal of becoming self-employed.

In May 2022, she was referred to the Restart Scheme in Kingston to help with her goal, and met her Employment Advisor, David Mckelvey.

In Kingston, Maximus is working together with Reed in Partnership who supported Lisa on her journey to qualify as an electrician.

David was mindful of finding her a part-time position that would balance with her training course and family life.

Lisa reflected: “I found the meetings with David refreshing. I was surprised that the scheme considered my work-life balance and lifestyle, rather than placing me into a generic vacancy that didn’t suit me.”

Through the Restart Scheme, Lisa completed sessions on how to improve her CV and her confidence, ensuring that she was best placed to find a position that suited her.

Having been out of work for over three years, Lisa lacked confidence in her own skills and abilities. However, her sessions with David helped her to recognise her transferable skills.

David described Lisa’s development: “From our first appointment, Lisa was clear about where she wanted to get to, and it was just a case of giving her the confidence and tools to get there. She has worked so hard. I am incredibly proud of her.”

Lisa had never applied for a job online before, so together they worked on developing her digital skills, giving Lisa the confidence to find jobs without relying on David’s assistance.

In November 2022, Lisa applied for a part-time administration role with a security firm. They were keen to interview her the next day, so Lisa spent the afternoon practising her interview techniques with David to ensure the experience was not too daunting.

The team were impressed with Lisa’s determination and offered her the position immediately.

Lisa said: “If it wasn’t for David being available at such short notice, I probably wouldn’t have got the job. Throughout the entire process I felt listened to and received amazing guidance when I needed it. I will miss working with David and the rest of the team in Kingston!

“The new role means I can work whilst completing my training as an electrician and look after my daughter. It fits my lifestyle perfectly!”

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