Linda: The Impossible is Possible

Linda came to Employment Horizons after being laid off from her job at a magazine publisher in New York City after 11 years of employment. She tried looking for a job on her own, but was unsuccessful. She found it difficult to look for jobs and go on interviews. Her confidence level was low. Unfortunately, symptoms of Linda’s disability increased and she was hospitalized multiple times, causing her to give up on looking for a job. She felt the job search was just “impossible”. After her hospital stay, she decided to seek help in finding employment. The New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services referred her to Employment Horizons. Within weeks, Linda’s job developer (Jamie) set up an interview for her at Toyota of Morristown. Jamie helped her through the interview, and Linda got the job right away, almost five years to the day after she was laid off. She’s very grateful for the help of the job coaches at Employment Horizons.

Linda’s biggest challenge in her new position was her low confidence level. She mastered the computer aspects of her job quickly, but was scared of talking on the phone. Now, she’s not nervous at all. She still has her script with her in case she gets uncomfortable, but otherwise she considers herself “a pro”. Working at Toyota has also helped Linda come out of her shell. She used to be quiet and extremely shy, but now she talks more and jokes around with her coworkers, whom she loves. “They accepted me without judging me on my disability,” she said. Linda is happy to have this job to pay her rent and have some spending money, too!

We are proud of Linda and wish her much continued success.