What happens if I don't feel ready for a job?
Navigating the world of employment can be both exciting and a little nerve-racking. Often, people with disability find themselves not feeling quite ready to enter the workforce. This feeling doesn’t need to last forever, there are many ways to build confidence and skills so you can feel job ready. From focusing on learning new skills to choosing the job you want, getting job ready can be exciting!
Understanding your feelings
Feeling like you’re not ready is a common experience, you’re not alone! It's important to know that feeling this way is valid. A great first start is to explore why you don’t feel ready and identify what skills you want to develop.
This is where your Support Coordinator can help! Talk to your Support Coordinator about what you like, what you’re good at, and what you want to achieve in your career. They will take all of it into account to help you explore different options for work that you’ll enjoy and succeed in.
Embracing learning opportunities
A great way to begin your job-ready journey is by embracing learning opportunities. Endeavour Foundation Learning and Lifestyle hubs offer state-of-the-art technology including virtual reality, robotics and 3D printing programs, to support a stimulating learning environment. With programs targeted to reading, writing, speaking and listening, as well as math, you will be supported to learn, at your own pace.
The great thing about Learning and Lifestyle hubs is that you are in a fun and supportive environment. You can make friends while you develop your skills!
Developing job-ready skills
If you feel like you have a solid base but are seeking specific skills, like how to use power tools, you can enrol in TAFE, workshops, or take online courses. Continuous learning not only enhances your skill set but also demonstrates your commitment to growth.
Work experience is a huge step towards your career goals. Instead of feeling pressured to be fully prepared right away, work experience allows you to focus on getting used to a work environment.
Whether it’s work experience, volunteer or paid employment, you will learn and practice skills that will help you find out what type of work you are interested in.
Think about the job you want
Being successful in a job starts with finding an employment opportunity that suits your interests, skills, and goals. Your strengths and abilities are what make you unique, and finding a job that makes the most of them is a win for both you and your future employer.
Remember your strengths
Everyone develops new skills at different paces - you are unique! While you are developing your skills, remember to think about what you’re good at! Your strengths and abilities can come in many forms. They might include things like your extroverted personality, your strong work ethic, or your hobbies which have helped you develop unusual skills.
Feeling like you’re not ready for a job is normal, but it isn’t the end of the road - it’s the start! Along the way you will make new friends, learn new skills, and feel more confidence. When you feel ready, you can start learning the best ways to find a job.
For now, Endeavour Foundation is here to support you and your goals! Whether it be at a Learning and Lifestyle hub or through supported employment, the first step is talking about your goals!