Today I signed a contract to start my training as an optician.
The last years have been filled with ups and downs. After finishing school as an educational social worker, followed by a lengthy divorce, moving to a different country (Austria) with my two dogs, building something for myself, I got my appplication to get my job certified rejected from the government in Austria.
I felt stuck, not knowing what to do, falling into a lengthy period of unemployment of over two years. I sent out hundreds of applications, got a few interviews, but nothing worked out. Then my dogs had to be put down, with a year inbetween, they had been with me for almost 15 years, and I also lost confidence due to weight gain.
About two months ago I got admitted into a program for women trying to get into more technical jobs. Through sheer chance my mentor asked if I would be interested to become an optician. I agreed, had a week of trial work, and got the good news by the end of that week.
I am truly overjoyed and excited to start, but also a bit stressed about going into this at a higher age than the usual candidates of around 15-18. Also working on losing weight and getting back to a better me is not going to be easy.
Would appreciate some kind words. Thank you for taking the time to read!
Edit: Thank you so much for all the positive comments and well wishes! This has really made my whole year. Just as a side note though - I am very flattered about your messages, I am happily taken!