After years in finance, Domenico De Valentino found himself at a crossroads. A redundancy in 2024 gave him the push he needed to rethink his career path, one that had been defined by long hours, high stress, and extensive travel. Instead of seeing it as a setback, Dom saw an opportunity, a chance to find work closer to home and spend more time with his family. “I’ve spent my whole life in finance and I really needed a change. I wanted something close to home. I didn’t want to be traveling for work anymore,” Dom shared. “I found WISE Employment by chance on social media, clicked on the link, and that’s where it all started.”
A new direction
Dom connected with WISE Employment in September 2024 and met Sarah Ferris, an Employment Consultant at WISE’s South Morang outreach centre. From their first meeting, Sarah worked closely with Dom to explore new career opportunities that aligned with his goals and skills. Recognising the need for a hands-on role, Dom decided to earn his forklift license, a move that opened doors to warehouse work. With Sarah’s guidance, he secured a position in a warehouse role, which he absolutely loves. “I’ve been there for three months now, and it’s great. It’s completely different to what I was doing before, but I love it,” Dom said. “Sarah was instrumental in getting me there, helping me look at roles I hadn’t considered before.”
Ongoing support
WISE Employment’s commitment to its customers doesn’t end when they land a job. Dom now works with another consultant, Sean, who provides post-employment support. “Every couple of weeks, we meet up and check in on how things are going,” Dom explained. WISE has also offered practical support, from fuel vouchers during the job search to financial assistance for medical expenses. “I hurt my shoulder at work and needed physio. Sean told me, ‘Let me know, give me the receipts, and we’ll reimburse you.’ That kind of support makes a big difference.”
Encouraging others
Looking back, Dom has no regrets about his career shift and encourages others to take the leap if they’re feeling stuck in their current roles. “This was one of the best, easiest transitions I’ve ever had to deal with in my career,” he said. “It was stress-free, and WISE guided me through it every step of the way. If you’re thinking about a change, do it. Just go forward and don’t look back.” For Dom, the biggest reward is the time he now has for his family. “More time with my wife and kids, plus a lot less stress. Nothing beats that. It’s priceless.”
The role of WISE Employment
Sarah, who has been an Employment Consultant at WISE for nearly four years, takes great pride in seeing customers like Dom succeed. “I love working at our outreach centre,” she said. “It’s a smaller setup, but that means we can offer more personalised support. We work closely with customers and local employers to find the right fit, and seeing someone like Dom thrive is why I do this job.” WISE Employment continues to empower people like Dom, ensuring they have the support, skills, and opportunities needed to succeed in their new careers.
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