Without hesitation Caroline says the best thing about being employed is “being independent again”. A mum and grandma, Caroline was referred to WISE’s Disability Employment Network in Launceston last year after being out of the workforce for 12 years.

Caroline suffers back pain as a result of degenerative damage to the lower discs in her back and so she needed a job that wouldn’t aggravate her condition. Prolonged standing, walking on a cement floor or any bending are all activities that would cause her discomfort, so “Manual work was out of the question.”

Coincidently an administrative position in the same WISE office became available, she applied and was successful. “It gave me great confidence,” Caroline explains enthusiastically, “especially being older and returning to work.”

Her financial independence is a matter of pride as well as relief for Caroline. “I just keep thinking I can pay my bills on time now,” she says, “It’s a big bonus.” And buying gifts for her grandkids also gives her a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction.

But for Caroline her job offers her much more than monetary reward. Being out of a routine and not working can be isolating and she is thrilled to be able to mix socially at work.

Having been on the other side of the desk only last year, Caroline also brings firsthand experience, empathy and valuable insights to the WISE office.

She is often the first WISE team member to greet a client and has words of encouragement for anyone that is returning to work, “Keep plugging at it. Despite your age you can still find work. You just have to keep plugging away.”