Skip to main content
Case study - Workforce AustraliaSuccess storiesWorkforce Australia

Sarah’s story: From unemployed to self-employed

By March 8, 2022February 20th, 2023No Comments
lady-sitting-at-table-smiling-as-she-works-on-her-laptop

Sarah* was 41 years old when she came to Jobfind Campbellfield in December 2019 looking for support to find a job. More than just a job, Sarah wanted a career that could sustain her school-aged children and herself. After previous work as a cleaner, a period of study, and two years of unemployment, Sarah was ready to fast-track her way off income support.

Rami is Sarah’s jobactive employment consultant and soon discovered her passion for the aged care sector. After presenting her with some study options, Sarah chose to upgrade her skills by completing a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) which Rami was able to support by activating the Employment Fund.

“Sarah was very motivated to study. There is high demand for aged care workers in our local area, so we supported Sarah to achieve a new qualification and a first aid certificate as steppingstones into this growth industry,” says Rami.

As COVID-19 took hold and began interrupting day-to-day life, Sarah persisted.

“I was able to offer her mental health support with a psychologist through Jobfind’s Healthfind service, which she was happy to take up,” says Rami.

Rami also continued meeting with Sarah fortnightly for job search activities and support with her studies. “If her internet was not working at home, she would come into the office and use our computers and printer to keep up with her studies,” explains Rami.

A few months later, Rami wasn’t surprised when Sarah announced she was ready to start her own business. “She was confident, had a positive outlook, and was determined to find flexible work that would allow her to be present for her children before and after school,” says Rami.

On January 29 2021, Sarah launched her own business as a sole trader offering in-home individual support: grocery shopping, preparing meals, general house cleaning and driving her elderly clients to appointments.

While COVID-19 lockdowns greatly disrupted her access to clients, Sarah was able to maintain a few clients and looked after her mental health with ongoing psychologist’s appointments with Healthfind. When her laptop broke, Jobfind once again activated the Employment Fund to support her to maintain her employment.

By the end of 2021, Sarah was building up her work hours with the aim of being financially independent and off income support. “I’ve loved helping Sarah,” says Rami, who continues to support Sarah as she builds her business. “Her determination to succeed will change her life and her children’s lives.”

*Name changed for privacy