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Getting back to Work: Paula’s Story

Getting back in the workforce after taking care of her mother for several years, Paula struggled to find work that met her financial needs and offered benefits.

She was grateful for the time spent with her mother, but she felt discouraged as her job search came up short. Paula has decades of experience in relationship management, 401K planning and banking, and wasn’t expecting it to be this hard.

“I’m over 50 with more than 20 years of experience, so there’s a lot of ageism,” said Paula. “You get a lot of ‘thanks, but no thanks,’ even though you clearly meet all the qualifications.”

A previous graduate of New Choices, Paula reached back out to PA Women Work and participated in the program again to find assistance with the current barriers she faced to employment.

“Job hunting can be a very lonely experience and can be very discouraging,” said Paula. I signed up again, because I wanted to have a positive job hunting experience rather than it on my own.” 

Paula’s New Choices facilitator, Julie Evans, helped her navigate the challenges she was experiencing and supported her every step of the way. After completing New Choices this time around, Paula found a job working as a patient advocate coordinator for Envera Health. 

“New Choices helps remind you that you are not alone,” said Paula. “There are people going through the same thing you are.”