For many of her working life, Melissa Dunn did what labored.
She spent about 15 years in quick meals, balancing work whereas elevating her youngsters. The hours have been versatile. The work was regular. And for a very long time, it match her life.
However issues modified.
After going by a significant life transition, Melissa discovered herself prepared for a contemporary begin — not simply personally, however professionally too. With all three of her youngsters now at school in the course of the day, she lastly had the liberty to rethink what sort of work made sense for her subsequent chapter.
Quick meals was acquainted, however the minimal wage pay was not sufficient to help her household. The thought of adjusting industries after 15 years felt intimidating — however Melissa determined to strive.
That’s when a pal advised her about Verstela.
“A pal of mine advised me about Verstela and the way they can assist discover totally different job choices for you,” Melissa mentioned.
Melissa selected to achieve out to Verstela’s Rensselaer, IN department the place she related with Danielle. Danielle helped her take her first step into a very new business, constructing her resume simply by speaking by her expertise and guiding her by the method from begin to end.
“She just about did all the pieces,” Melissa mentioned. “All I needed to do was come into the workplace.”
Inside a few days, Melissa was working.
Her first task was alternative, however the 12-hour shifts shortly grew to become an excessive amount of. As an alternative of pushing by one thing that wasn’t proper, Melissa reached again out to Danielle to clarify the scenario and see if she may assist.
Danielle listened — and acted shortly.
“Inside a few days after that telephone name, she received me a brand new job some place else,” Melissa mentioned. “It was simply tremendous fast.”
That subsequent alternative turned out to be precisely what Melissa wanted.
At present, Melissa works as a Delivery and Receiving Clerk. The position was intimidating at first as a result of it was so totally different from something she’d completed earlier than — however she’s realized new expertise and enjoys the work. She was educated to function a forklift and shortly grew to become an essential a part of the operation.
What stands out most to her, although, isn’t simply the job — it’s the folks.
“It’s good to go someplace the place you’re appreciated for the work that you just do,” Melissa mentioned. Her bosses greet her each morning. They say “good job.” The ambiance appears like a staff, not a strain cooker.
The pay distinction has additionally been life-changing. Shifting from minimal wage to a career-level hourly charge has made it doable for Melissa to raised help her household.
“I personal my very own home now. I like my job, and my youngsters are all completely happy,” she mentioned. “All the pieces in my life is simply higher.”
Trying again, Melissa remembers how afraid she was to alter careers — however making that alternative turned out to be the most effective selections she’s made.
“I used to be scared to make a change,” she mentioned. “However as soon as I did, all the pieces began falling into place. Even when it’s uncomfortable at first, you simply hold going.”
Melissa is particularly grateful she didn’t need to navigate that change alone.
“Danielle was tremendous useful,” she mentioned. “And when one thing wasn’t working, she helped me discover one thing higher.”
Her story is proof {that a} profession change doesn’t need to be excellent on the primary strive — and that having the best help could make all of the distinction.
At Verstela, we’re proud to have helped Melissa alongside her journey towards one thing higher — and even prouder to see how far she’s come.
Interested by a change however aren’t certain the place to begin? Melissa’s story is a reminder that generally the toughest step is the primary one — and it may change all the pieces for the higher.
Browse our job board and see what alternatives is perhaps ready for you.
