Building Confidence, Networks, and New Opportunities
The sighs of frustration, as he once again lost the ball and looked expectant to at us both to carry out a thorough search using our headtorches, echoed across the damp, dark field. Chasing a dog around a riverside field at 05:00 in March really tests your strength, but how can it lead to work opportunities?
Taking on Marlo, who by all accounts is closer to being a Great Dane, crossed with a Greyhound than he is the Saluki we were promised, meant a whole change of priorities. Although we’d had a family dog for 15 years previously, his energy levels meant a fulfilling run every morning before work, regardless of the weather or lack of light. At the time, I was in the early stages of running my own business, that annoying period, when you give a lot more than you take. Although work was drip feeding through, and there were certainly a lot of meetings and introductions, having another source of income would certainly be helpful and boost my self-esteem.
A lady who we would see most mornings, blocked my path and instead of the usual pleasantries, decided to bark a question in her customary assertive tone. “Are you a builder? I need a patio laying”, she demanded. Apparently, the spirit level in the back of my car had prompted her enquiries. I explained that it’s not what I do for a living anymore, but I can do most small building tasks. We exchanged phone numbers, allowing us to plan the job around her requirements and time frames.
At the time, the demands of starting a new business were probably having more of an impact on my mental health, confidence, communication and social skills than I or others were aware of. I am aware of the many therapeutic benefits of dog walking around building networks, social engagement and health. I am an employability skills coach who likes to look beyond writing a CV and interview preparation, incorporating other activities and methods to support people into fulfilling and sustainable employment, but I also forgot how good this can be for myself, both directly and indirectly.
I took on the task that she wanted completing, and was honoured to have my wife complete this work with me. She is someone who I consider to be a best friend, and she brings the best out of me by encouraging me, but also, she is great fun to be around. We completed the work to a high standard, but besides had a laugh, shared ideas and overcome problems together. Crucially, we stood back at the end of the job, along with the customer, with the pride of a job well done. I hadn’t felt this good for a couple of years. I’d been mainly working on my own at home, in a small office, often frustrated from another lead disappearing into a black hole. Instead, I now felt like I had achieved something and that I was needed. I also felt physically exhausted, and that I had earnt a couple of pints of ale on the Friday night. And I certainly did enjoy them.
Over the coming weeks and months, I was fortunate to carry out several other small building jobs through recommendations and others that had seen the finished job. Again, these were completed alongside my wife, with her enthusiastic nature matched only by her physical strength. In truth, she didn’t need the fulfilment of doing the work as much as I did but appreciated its importance to me and us. In fact, this period coincided with an increase of work through my business, leaving me in the rather uncomfortable, but luxurious position of having to decline offers of additional building work. As much as I enjoyed this at the time, it was a career I had previously left and was content with that decision and now needing to focus fully on my business. However, I was grateful for the work as it had reenergised me as a person and put a much-needed smile back on my face.
Many of the people I support are returning to work after a physical or mental health condition, looking for confidence building, increasing their job readiness, or developing their social engagement. It would be a big mistake for me to encourage them to take on a dog the size of a small horse and as strong as an ox. Likewise, carrying out small building tasks may well be outside of their level of competence, physical ability or interests. However, the same principles apply in that doing new things, meeting people, being part of a community and social engagement can all support a successful return to work or work-based activities. These can lead to opportunities, some of which are unexpected, and perhaps not at first welcome. However, being there increases these chances and although the first opportunity will not always be the correct one, others will follow.
Many one-to-one clients for Bee Work Ready support, via a referral from vocational rehabilitation or case management providers, require far more than CV writing to support their work readiness. It often involves looking at other aspects of their lives to understand their routine, network and interests. This allows us to build non work based activities into their Personal Action Plan, that indirectly supports them in identifying and achieving their goals.
An ambition is to grow our local Walk ‘n’ Talk group, which allows small groups to discuss specific employability subjects in a relaxed manner, while supporting their physical and mental wellbeing. By being part of the community group, along with sharing information, ideas and experiences, they will feel part of a community again. Being supported, while also helping to support others can be a confidence boost and may lead to opportunities they weren’t expecting.
Marlo continues to be central to our routine, with regular early morning runs regardless of the weather or light levels. He has since been responsible for other introductions that have been of great benefit personally and professionally.
Article written by Stuart Miller
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