I took a leap of faith in March 2023 to leave the DWP after 22 years of dealing with a wide variety of benefit claims and customers to accept a new role at Calico as a Customer Service Officer in the Contact Centre/Reception. I enjoy the huge variety of queries that this role brings and the constant daily interaction that I have in helping (sometimes very vulnerable) people. No two days are the same and I gain immense job satisfaction from this.
I have benefited from being surrounded by supportive managers, a cohesive team and sound mentoring by experienced members of staff which enabled me to successfully pass my probation period with flying colours.
My first day at Calico was the first time that I had set foot in a workplace since lockdown after working at home working for two and a half years. I was nervous and a little concerned that this may have affected my confidence. I needn’t have worried – my new team made me feel very welcome as a new starter, as did other colleagues who I met through my role.
I would say to others that it’s never too late to consider a fresh start with the right support behind you.