As a very sociable person, Lynn struggled when lengthy COVID-19 lockdowns struck in Victoria.
58-year-old Lynn had worked for 40 years of her life and went from loving her job as a hairdresser, to being forced to stop everything and remain inside. The sudden yet prolonged change took a huge toll on her health.
“I went from talking all day in a salon to just living in silence. I liked the social aspect of my job and I really missed it,” says Lynn.
Lynn came to WISE Employment and was referred to Hayley in the Occupational Rehab team, to help her overcome any barriers in her return to work.
“I started working with Lynn in January. She had been through a tough time given she wasn’t able to work during COVID-19, and also lost some close friends throughout that time,” says Hayley.
“My role is to help navigate employment opportunities, and ask thought-provoking questions to uncover their passions. It’s up to the person to come up with their answers on their own, as I want them to see their full potential.”
“We helped her to regulate her feelings and be in control of her emotions. We worked through her challenges and got her to the place she’s at now where she feels she has a handle on things.”
Hayley used exercises such as person-centred therapy and worked through self-awareness with Lynn. 
Hayley adds, “Lynn had low self-esteem but that’s not the case anymore. She is confident, self-aware and knows exactly what she can handle and how to overcome obstacles she’s faced with.”
“I found it great that Hayley was younger than me,” says Lynn. “It really helped having a different perspective on things.”
While working with Hayley, her WISE employment consultant, Natalia, suggested Lynn try a barista course as a way to gain new skills.
“A barista course is something I never would have thought of. Natalia also taught me how to apply for jobs on my phone to make it easier.”
Today, Lynn is working two jobs – as a hairdresser in an aged care facility, and as a barista at a barber shop.
“I love making people feel better every day and seeing that they are happy. My cafe training has also tied in nicely with my work in hairdressing, with the cafe art course at the barber shop,” says Lynn.
“Since coming to WISE, it’s opened my eyes that there is help out there that people might not know about. It’s definitely worth exploring if you’re willing to step up.”
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