For John, finding paid employment had been a long-term goal. At 58 years old, he had volunteered before but he had never experienced formal paid employment, earning his own wage or being part of a workplace team.
Together with his peer mentor, Despina, John spent months working towards changing that.
They registered with employment agencies, searched for suitable roles and spent many hours sitting together applying for jobs through SEEK. They also visited local businesses and personally handed out resumes.
Despite their efforts, John rarely received a response.
He would regularly check his phone and emails, hoping for an interview or callback. Despina could see him becoming disheartened but she continued encouraging him.
“We’re going to do this, John. We just need to keep trying and find that one person who is going to give us a break.”
Coming from a retail management background, Despina knew that a resume could not fully capture John’s confidence, warmth, humour, enthusiasm and genuine desire to help others. She believed employers needed the opportunity to meet him face to face.
That was why they decided to return to an old-school approach, walking into stores, introducing John and handing his resume directly to managers.
One day, while visiting local businesses, John and Despina decided to walk into Kathmand Waurn Ponds.
John confidently entered the store, greeted the manager and handed over his resume. He was his usual friendly and bubbly self. After thanking the manager, John and Despina began walking away.
Then something unforgettable happened.
The store manager, Kylie, ran after them.
She told John that she had never met anyone who had walked into the store looking for work with so much confidence and enthusiasm. She invited him back for an interview.
John initially stood there in shock. Dee immediately became excited, while it took John a few moments to understand what had just happened. When it finally sank in, his shock quickly turned into happiness.
It became a moment they would both always remember.
For Dee, Kylie had recognised what she had seen in John all along. His greatest strengths were not simply written on his resume. They were his kindness, personality, eagerness to learn and willingness to help others.
Following his interview and discussions with Kathmandu’s head office, John was offered the position.
At 58 years old, John had secured his very first paid job.
Getting the job was only the beginning. Together, John and Dee gathered the required documents, applied for his Tax File Number, organised his superannuation, completed his employment paperwork and worked through his workplace training modules.
Each step became an opportunity for John to learn, build confidence and understand the responsibilities that came with entering the workforce.
Today, John proudly works at Kathmandu every Thursday from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm, supported by Dee during his shift.
John arrives excited, proud and eager to start his day. He wants to be on the shop floor, contributing alongside his colleagues.
His duties include bringing boxes out from the storeroom, restocking the shop floor, placing clothing onto hangers, attaching security tags and helping organise merchandise. He also enjoys greeting customers, meeting new people and assisting with sales under the guidance of his colleagues.
One of the things John enjoys most is seeing his workmates each week. More importantly, he feels recognised as an adult and valued for the contribution he makes, rather than being defined by his disability.
Since beginning work, John has become more independent, improved his communication, developed a stronger routine and taken on more responsibility. He is learning to follow directions, listen carefully, complete new tasks and work as part of a team.
Earning his own wage has also given John greater freedom and choice. He is currently saving for a holiday to Queensland, updating his home, purchasing furniture and enjoying more outings and activities.
For John, his wages represent far more than money. They give him independence, purpose and the pride of knowing he has earned them through his own work.
For Dee, supporting John through this journey has been one of the most meaningful experiences as a support worker.
“Seeing John get the interview, receive the job offer and walk into his first day of work has been the highlight of my time as a support worker. It is a special moment I will always hold dearly in my life.”
When asked what having this job means to him, John’s answer says it all:
“It means everything. I want to retire here and I want more hours.”
John’s journey is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to follow a dream or begin a new chapter. With determination, meaningful support and an employer willing to see the person beyond the resume, one opportunity can truly change a life.
At MaudCare, we are incredibly proud of John and everything he has achieved. We look forward to supporting him as he continues building his skills, growing in confidence and working towards his future at Kathmandu.
