Tracey, a participant in Ability Options’ WorkReady program, has shown remarkable perseverance and has made incredible strides in her employment journey over the past year. A true celebration of her growth on the journey to workforce success.
Tracey faced nearly a year of unemployment before landing a job. She struggled to find work because she often didn’t meet the criteria for the roles she applied to, or she never received a response.
Then six months ago, Tracey started her role at a fast-food restaurant with the support of Ability Options’ Disability Employment Services (DES).
The fast-paced work environment was challenging for Tracey at first. The overwhelming surge of customers, the need to multitask with little time to take orders, clean tables, and constantly respond to the ringing counter bell, all contributed to a panic attack early in her employment. This experience of internal distress, burnout, and sensory overload led her to question whether she could continue in the role.
“I didn’t know if I could keep going,” Tracey says.
“At the time it felt like too much. I felt underqualified and had no idea what to do. It seemed like it should’ve been easy to understand, but my brain made it more complicated to process. I feared disappointing my manager and teammates because I was too slow – afraid of judgement and leaving a bad impression.”
With the support of her WorkReady Consultant, Evelyn and DES Counsellor, Christeen assisted Tracey manage the pressures of the job by developing strategies to cope through anxiety and overthinking.
“These strategies have helped her navigate stressful situations in the long term, allowing her to find the strength to keep going with her job at the restaurant. Also, with the support of the Ability Options team, they have communicated with her workplace to modify the tasks to better align with Tracey’s capabilities,” Evelyn says.
“They really helped me understand that I wasn’t alone” Tracey shares. “They taught me how to manage the stress, focus on what I could control, and push through the tough times.”
As the months passed, Tracey’s confidence grew. She received an appreciation award from her workplace for her hard work and dedication, an achievement she credits to the ongoing support and guidance she received from her team at Ability Options.
Tracey has been supported by Ability Options throughout her employment journey, receiving help with job searches, updating her resume, and reviewing her goal plans regularly. The support has extended to counselling sessions that helped her identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to tackle challenges in her role.
“My consultants and counsellors didn’t just help me get the job,” Tracey says. “They’ve been there with me every step of the way, helping me manage the challenges and celebrate the wins.”
“If there are issues outside of work, I can always reach out to Ability Options for help, as I tend to struggle with communicating. Right now, I continue to attend Ability Options for work-related updates and online study,” Tracey shares.
Today, Tracey not only excels in her role but has also learned how to balance work demands with taking care of her mental health.
“It’s about finding that balance and knowing it’s okay to ask for help when you need it,” Tracey says. “I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I know that I can continue to succeed.”
Tracey’s journey reflects the importance of finding the right support tailored for you in overcoming challenges. She’s proven that with the right help and mindset, anyone can achieve their goals and transform challenges into success.
Congratulations on your continued success, Tracey!
If you’re ready to take the next step in your employment journey, reach out to Ability Options today and discover how tailored support can help you achieve your goals. Learn more about how our friendly employment services team can assist you, call us today at 1300 422 454 or click here to get started.
