How a Redundancy Survivor Rebuilt Her Career and Confidence in the UK

From Redundancy to Renewed Confidence

When a Flintshire woman was made redundant, she felt lost and unsure how to move forward.

After applying for jobs across several platforms, Aimen Anjum, from Deeside, was feeling low.

The 36-year-old explained: "I lost my job last year in April and I was quite disheartened, to be honest. I started applying online on all the job platforms and everywhere, but I wasn't getting any luck. I lost my confidence, and I was getting frustrated."

That's when she decided to reach out to Working Wales for support, the Welsh Government's employability gateway for 16-plus support.

Aimen said: "I just walked in one day and was welcomed very warmly. My careers adviser, Andy Pugh, took the time to listen to my situation. He discussed all the possible options available to me."

Together, they explored the type of work that suited Aimen's interests and family life. They also identified that she could benefit from refreshing her CV to better showcase her experience.

She added: "Andy just said to me it might be that your CV might need a little bit of upgrading. Sometimes people don't know how to sell themselves properly so a CV expert can help bring all your skills and highlight them in the CV for you so that it can help you get the job."

Andy referred Aimen to Lesley Readman-Benton, an employability coach at Working Wales, who helped her list all her previous roles and highlight key skills that employers would value.

With her new CV ready, Aimen began applying for jobs again - and this time, the results were immediate.

"I applied to a few different places using the new CV. I got a lot of responses out of which I had this care job as a care assistant. Immediately they were happy to offer me the job. They even offered me an apprenticeship."

This gave Aimen the chance to get back into work and rebuild her confidence.

She said: "Coming to get help and support from Working Wales was the turning point in my life. I was given so many different options - I could choose to find a career or to study. So it's not just one thing."

Talking with her advisers reminded Aimen of her strengths and skills. She said: "Even just chatting to them, telling them about the things I used to do and what I'm capable of, made me realise I shouldn't be feeling so low about myself. I actually had a lot to offer."

Aimen now encourages others who may be struggling to reach out for support, adding: "Anybody who is unsure about their career, or needs help with their CV, or has the skills but doesn't know how to put themselves out there - I'd recommend they come to Working Wales. It's a free service, and I'm sure they'll get the help and support they need to move in the right direction."

Aimen's success is just one example of how Working Wales, funded by Welsh Government and delivered by Careers Wales, helps people take confident steps toward their futures.

For careers information, advice and guidance visit the Working Wales website: workingwales.gov.wales