Lucia Visser: "It was a great time in which I was able to work entirely on my own person. To date, I am very grateful to my coach and Dynamisch Bureau."

“After 30 years of employment, I suddenly found myself on the street. I was always used to changing with the situation and was given many opportunities in the field of work. I started as a VVV information officer and progressed to manager of three tourist offices. I was able to do a part-time HBO study. When I had children, I started doing project-based jobs for hospitality and conferences in the city of The Hague. Until the Corona pandemic. I have been very ill due to Corona and my work was no longer necessary due to all the lockdowns. It was a sad period. Fortunately, I was eligible for an outplacement and was looking for a good agency.

The website of Dynamisch Bureau stood out for me, because of the practical information and explanation about the outplacement process. I was also able to choose from all the profiles and locations of the coaches. Due to Corona, the introduction to the coach of my choice had to be done via an online Meet. But that felt right from the start!

My coach and I did a lot of walking sessions after that. The experience, knowledge and especially listening ear of my coach were very pleasant. Despite my many doubts and insecurities, I wanted to move forward again. I always had a great desire to go to her. She gave me tools that I didn’t know yet and I was able to work self-reflection, through various (communication) techniques that she offered me. It was time for a listening ear and attention for myself. I performed a TMA Talent Analysis. That gave me some recognition, but also surprising results. It is a lasting and valuable report that I still use from time to time.

I really enjoyed the part of applying for a job (after all, I hadn’t done that for 30 years) and drawing up a CV. A professional photo was also included in the package. The outing to the photographer was a party during the Corona period. In short, a great time where I was able to work entirely on my own person. To date, I am very grateful to my coach and Dynamisch Bureau.

Partly thanks to the TMA analysis, I applied very specifically and immediately with success! I am now working part-time at welfare organization SWOP in Pijnacker-Nootdorp, as Coordinator Volunteer Information Point. I find this ideal in combination with a (sporting) family. I enjoy cycling to my office through nature. I have very nice new colleagues. The switch to Welfare has given me much more than I had previously thought. I come into contact with many different clients who are looking for volunteer work and I come into contact with a large network of foundations and associations. In addition, I also started volunteering myself; I teach a Turkish lady how to ride a bike and speak Dutch. And recently I joined the board of the Ice Club, where I also contribute to the recruitment of volunteers and support with practical matters, including bar services. I get a lot of energy from that.

I advise others in a similar situation to seek guidance. Someone who can give you that ‘just’ helping hand to get everything back on track. Someone who approaches you objectively and can provide support. I thought it was a great luxury, very important for your own personal growth and life.

Above all, do work that makes you happy and gives you energy. And if you want to develop skills, discover it through volunteering. The latter was the biggest surprise for me. This brought me into contact with new activities that I really enjoyed. This has also given me a larger network that provides more connection, both at work and in my private life.

Although I am in the right place and I see plenty of opportunities for now to grow in my current position. But if necessary, I will be more likely to ask for advice or help. I want to stay in control and ensure that I can continue to fill my working time as pleasantly as possible!”