Antoinette: “Because I now understand better who I am and where my strengths lie, I function better. I can more easily accept it when something doesn’t work out. That gives me peace and confidence.”
Through the Dutch Employee Insurance Agency (UWV), I was able to choose between two agencies for my reintegration. On the website of Dynamisch Bureau, I could view the coaches and read about their areas of expertise. This immediately appealed to me. It allowed me to get acquainted with a coach who really resonated with me.
I had dropped out due to a burnout and knew I didn’t want to return to my old job. I wanted to look for a new challenge that would give me energy again. When I first walked into my coach’s office, I wasn’t doing well. I was tense, nervous, exhausted, and insecure. Working was impossible, and even at home I could hardly get anything done.
I had already followed grief therapy and received support from the mental health practitioner at my GP’s office, but it wasn’t enough to truly move forward. That’s why I chose a program at Dynamisch Bureau. I liked that, in addition to coaching, there were many extra options: the movement program, cognitive training, and various group sessions.
I experienced my coach’s guidance as very pleasant and safe. There was real attention for me as a person. Through her guidance, I got to know myself again: who I am, what I find important, and where my talents lie. From that insight, I could start exploring what kind of job would suit me.
In the meantime, I am now working part-time as an instructor at MBO Rijnland. I get a lot of energy from my job and enjoy it immensely. I’m also starting a training program to become an instructor, and I may even progress to becoming a teacher later on. Things are going well in my personal life too: I’m going out again and enjoying life.
The cognitive training helped me tremendously in regaining my concentration — where everything used to pass me by, I can now focus well again. The conversations with my coach about my energy boosters, strengths, and pitfalls were also very valuable. For example, I learned to turn my “chaotic” side into something positive: I can actually switch quickly.
Because I now know better who I am and where my strengths lie, I function better. I can more easily accept it when something doesn’t work out. That gives me peace and confidence.
My advice to anyone in a similar situation: start a program that suits you at Dynamisch Bureau. The guidance truly helps you move forward with your life — and to feel positive again. And it is never too late to make different choices regarding work. Do something that gives you energy, makes you happy, and makes you feel proud!
