Rachel’s Story: Overcoming Adversity and Embarking on a New Career Journey

Rachel's Story

When we met Rachel, it was immediately clear that we were in the presence of someone who embodies resilience, innovation, and passion. Her journey, marked by significant personal and professional milestones, is a testament to what can be achieved through dedication and an unwavering belief in one’s potential.

Since 2018, Rachel had been a dedicated social worker, tirelessly supporting children and families. Her commitment to her career was unparalleled, and she found immense satisfaction in her role, embracing each day with enthusiasm and compassion. She loved her job and wouldn’t have changed it for the world.

However, life took an unexpected turn on Friday, 13th January 2023. While at work, Rachel was struck by a severe headache, forcing her to pull over while driving. She was rushed to A&E, where it was discovered that she had suffered a brain bleed due to a birth defect. The prognosis wasn’t looking good, and she was placed in a coma. Doctors warned that she might not survive and that she would likely face serious long-term challenges, including the need to relearn basic skills like speaking, reading, and writing. She also had ongoing vision problems following the bleed on her brain.

Rachel underwent emergency surgery and another follow-up procedure in October. Remarkably, she made significant progress after the surgeries, though her speech was still affected, requiring her to carefully think about how to connect her words. She spent over a year away from work, dedicating herself to intensive physiotherapy and speech and language therapy.

A New Journey

Despite her determination and hard work, Rachel lost her job due to her injury. The uncertainty about her future was daunting. In November 2023, she embarked on a new journey to discover what her future could hold. Referred to the Work and Health Programme, she began working with Jess, a supportive guide who helped Rachel explore her options. Together, they navigated the challenging landscape of job applications, with Rachel unsure of what she could do and whether she would be able to work again.

Jess mentioned a reception role at the University of Manchester and referred Rachel to Aspire Recruitment. Here, Rachel connected with Frank, who took the time to discuss the role and her CV in detail. Although Rachel felt nervous due to past rejections linked to her health condition, Frank’s thorough approach reassured her.

During their conversation, Frank was impressed with Rachel and through their conversation suggested an alternative role he thought she would be fantastic for – a PA position at The Growth Company. This was a surprising but intriguing prospect for Rachel, as it involved aspects of her previous experience along with something new. Frank put her forward for both roles, and Rachel was thrilled to be offered interviews for each of the positions. She felt a renewed sense of hope and was over the moon when she received offers for both jobs.

Broadened Horizons

Frank’s support didn’t end there. After each interview, he called Rachel to discuss her thoughts and feelings about each role. They weighed the pros and cons together, considering her circumstances and future prospects. With Frank’s guidance, Rachel made an informed decision.

Rachel accepted the PA role at The Growth Company, finding the company’s mission and values aligned closely with her own. Since starting, she has been working with a diverse group of people from various partner organisations, feeling a strong sense of belonging. The Growth Company’s commitment to its values is evident daily, and Rachel appreciates the supportive and considerate environment, particularly the efforts of her colleague, Madeline.

This opportunity has opened new doors for Rachel, allowing her to explore a new sector and role. The potential for growth within the company is significant, and Rachel is excited about broadening her horizons and redefining her future. Her journey from a dedicated social worker to a thriving PA is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the incredible impact of support and perseverance.