Real life stories
Lauren finds her work-life balance
Leaving a full time job to find a part-time position was a tough decision to make for twenty-one year old Lauren Buchanan from Nottingham. The young mum knew she wanted a better work-life balance, which meant working fewer hours at the same time as maintaining good prospects in order to have plenty of time to spend with her 1 year old son Xavier.
Lauren, who left Southwolds School in Keyworth in 2006 armed with GCSE’s and ready to enter the world of work, secured an Apprenticeship in Administration and worked for four years, gaining NVQ Level 2 and Level 3 in Business, Administration and Customer Services along the way.
She was loving her role and the challenges it brought when, in 2009, Lauren found out she was pregnant and delivered her son on Christmas Day! Lauren returned to work following her maternity leave and was able to agree reduced working hours with her employer, but later on felt a part-time role would suit her needs better and began to look around for such an opportunity.
Lauren knew there would be opportunities for part-time work but realised she’d need help finding them having already spent time on her own searching for jobs. Lauren registered with recruitment agencies, went to Jobcentre Plus and from there was sign-posted to getting impartial careers advice.
Lauren said:
“It was difficult leaving a job that I loved, but I wanted to spend more time with my son instead of placing him in full-time childcare. I knew I had skills that could be transferred into other roles – I just couldn’t get a foot in the door, and realised that I needed support in getting my CV right and how to conduct myself in an interview.”
Lauren was introduced to an adviser, who recommended changes to her CV and set up some mock interviews with Lauren. Skills she fully utilised a few months later, when through an agency, Lauren was put forward for a Purchase Ledger role with Hyperama – a cash and carry wholesaler. Lauren sailed through the interview and was offered a 6 month contract.
She processed orders, dealt with buyers and arranged deliveries, working Monday to Friday from 10am until 3pm, leaving her plenty of time at home to spend with her son. Having demonstrated her abilities and doing well in her role, Lauren was made a permanent member of staff in early 2011.
And before long, she was promoted within the company and is now working in the cash office, a role that gives her a lot more responsibility and involves handling cash, taking payments off customers and paying into the bank.
Lauren continued:
“I am able to take Xavier to nursery on the way to work and collect Xavier on my way home, giving us plenty of time together as a family. I have a job that utilises my skills, fits with my home life and I enjoy. Finding this role and getting offered the job is down to the careers advice I got – brushing up on my CV and interview technique has made a huge difference to my life.”
Lauren now is able to spend time at home with Xavier, and her own mum, with whom they both live. She has weekends free to take Xavier on outings with other family members and values the new balance in her life.
Her adviser, Shazia Ali added:
“Lauren was great to work with and support. She had a very positive attitude towards finding work. With regular one-to-one support Lauren was able to achieve her goals.”
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