I’d worked in one role in retail since 1999 for 21 years. I absolutely loved my role, the customers and the people I worked with! But when covid hit, myself and some of my other colleagues were made redundant. I wasn’t expecting it at all. If that hadn't happened, I would have happily stayed at my job. It’s been two years now since I was made redundant, and my bills have been piling up. I'm on the phone all the time asking companies if they could please lower my bills, but they just can’t.
I’ve always worked so I’m just not used to this. It’s been difficult finding work again, especially because the job market has changed. It’s been over 20 years since I had an interview! But I’m looking forward to Beam’s help to get me ready for interviews, and to have my own laptop so I can apply for jobs.
I’ve been feeling down about not being able to find work. But the most important thing that helps me is praying. It gives me an immense amount of hope and strength. I go to the mosque, see my friends, or I pick up my Qur’an and read.
I really want to get back on my feet. I want to work as a carer to help vulnerable people because as I look around, I see so many people out there who need looking after. It's about time I gave back.