Taking the right next step in your career after being laid off due to reorganization! This describes the success story of Alexander Kaars, 54 years old from Marken. With the help of Career Coach, Nathalie Bourne of ZW Werkt Door he made the next step in his career. Alexander now works as a Financial Controller at Humanitas.
How did you end up at ZW Werkt Door?
Alexander: “I worked for 16 years at JCDecaux Nederland BV. A French company. Due to a reorganization, I unfortunately had to leave and left the company as of May 11 with a settlement agreement. This was an abrupt end for me, I had not received any signals that something was wrong. I then engaged a lawyer and together we came to an agreement fairly quickly. After that, I started orienting myself with the question: what do I want to do next? On LinkedIn I saw a call from ZW Werkt Door and approached them. There was a quick response, perfect timing! From here I got in touch with Nathalie.”
What has ZW Werkt Door done for you?
Alexander: “Nathalie helped me find peace after my dismissal. Not rushing into the next step, but first taking space to reflect. Together we identified my strengths and weaknesses. This was difficult for me, because there is a certain shame surrounding forced resignation. Yet it gave me the space to look at myself. In order to discover what I really like, eventually take the right step and thus follow my heart.”
Nathalie: “After this experience at his last employer, it was especially important for Alexander to find a good work environment where he could rebuild confidence.”
Have you made a switch to another sector and if so, how did you get there?
Alexander: “Yes, I made a switch to another sector. I now work at Humanitas, as a Financial Controller. In this position, I check that the money we receive is spent correctly. It’s a social company with a collective bargaining agreement and an informal working atmosphere, which feels very good.”
Nathalie: “We achieved this successful transition together by first looking at what Alexander needed to make that new step. We did an IK-scan to discover his most important preconditions for success and job satisfaction. In addition, we looked at which jobs suited these competencies. With an eye for sustainable job satisfaction; not just a job that is enjoyable in the moment, but a career that also provides long-term job satisfaction.”
What did you think of the collaboration with ZW Werkt Door?
Alexander: “Very satisfied! Especially the offer of ZW Werkt Door, such as the number of courses and trainings available. Also the piece of self-reflection to first start looking at yourself in peace before starting that next step very quickly.”
Nathalie: “Alexander got more and more loose! In the beginning he was a bit hesitant. He was also quite active in applying for financial positions at potential new employers, such as that of Financial Controller at Humanitas.
He went like a rocket: mid-June 2022 we started with a plan of action, in July he started applying for jobs, mid-September Alexander already had another job and October 1 he started at Humanitas. Here we consciously discussed together whether everything fitted well with his wishes and vision for the future.”