While our name may suggest otherwise, we’re not just for mums – we help dads too!
After realising Successful Mums wasn’t just for mums, Clifford signed up for our Back to Work course and found a passion for teaching and now has his career plan sorted! From catering to the classroom, here’s his story.
“The Pandemic changed my trajectory! Before the pandemic, I worked as a Catering Manager with 25 years of experience. A couple of years before the pandemic I had to take some time out and travel for family reasons to Singapore. Shortly after I returned the pandemic hit and my hope of returning to my previous Catering Job seemed less and less likely.
I soon found myself at the Job Centre exploring different options whilst at the same time home-schooling my son through his primary education. My son required some additional support with his learning, particularly with reading, so at this point, I had one priority; to find a job that allowed me to be with him as much as possible and help with his education.
The Job Centre told me about Successful Mums and I was immediately dismissive – it just didn’t seem a suitable match. I thought this was an environment for women and not the academy for me.
After a while, it was mentioned to me again so decided to look into it further. What I quickly realised was that this was about parents – not just mums. It was about like-minded people looking for suitable work to fit around their family and commitments, so I got in touch.
I am so glad I did. The career coaching was an excellent confidence builder and helped me find the answers I needed. Before getting in contact with Successful Mums I felt there were no answers and a career change for me, at my age, was out of the question. Successful Mums picked me up!
“The trainers are excellent, they make sure to challenge you all the way along but are always there to support you.“
Clifford
The support and guidance along with all the fresh ideas from the team and other parents meant I found the route I wanted to take, I started volunteering with an online reading support company, which soon lead to volunteering at my son’s school. I found a passion for teaching. Successful Mums helped me to nurture this with a coaching and mentoring course, I found this a real challenge but I achieved it. The trainers are excellent, they make sure to challenge you all the way along but are always there to support you.
My son is now 10, I am pleased to say his reading has come on leaps and bounds. As for me, I’ve completed a ‘Supporting, Teaching and Learning in Schools’ course with the goal to take up a full-time position in a school by September, which I’m already ahead of as I’ve already secured a job in childcare!
I would say to anyone who has been out of work for a while or has lost their way, Successful Mums will link you with like-minded parents and provide valuable support.”