Courage. Confidence. Discover yourself. Or rediscover yourself. Getting chances and grabbing them with both hands. On your own initiative or with a helping hand. We all have our own personal story. Like Isabelle, Luc and Kristin. People like you who were faced with a choice and took the plunge. Towards a new job or a new environment.
Isabelle Contreras Guirado
I hope my story will put other people’s minds at rest. It really isn’t easy to take the step and switch to another sector. But I'm glad I did! Everything I learned during my time at the bank, I now use in the hospital. I feel much happier – you can just see the difference.
When I was told that my job would be disappearing, I was overwhelmed by a whole host of emotions. I was afraid of the future. But at the same time, I also saw opportunities. To spend more time with the kids. And to do a job that involved more social contact. I only had to apply for one job. My wonderful career at the bank and the coaching support certainly helped.
“The customer used to be king. Now the patient is king.”
Gwendoline Wienen
By making the switch later on in life, I think I’m approaching my new job in education in a more mature way. And now I have the chance to help children discover the world... That gives me a lot of energy.
It came as a real shock to hear that the majority of our work would be done by external parties within a few years. But even though there was initially a lot of uncertainty, I didn’t just give up. I was able to combine my job with retraining to become a teacher. There was an enormous amount of flexibility on both sides. I'm glad I got that chance and took it.
“For every door that closes, a new one opens. That’s so true.”
Leen Schepers
Throughout my entire career at the bank I focussed on car leasing. That's where I discovered my talent for the commercial side of things. I loved life on the road. When I started thinking about what I wanted to do for the next 20 years, it didn’t take me long to realise that I wanted to make my dream a reality: I wanted to open my own lounge bar.
I was open about that from the start and my bosses at the bank were really understanding. They were almost as excited as I was. As such, I was able to enjoy my job for another year and to prepare for the transition in the meantime. Now I have my own business. Even if it doesn’t work out, I'm very glad I at least gave it a go.
“If you have an idea, you have to have the courage to just go for it!”
Luc Mombaerts
33 years at the bank... I had a great time. But over the years, I was less able to cope with the stress that came with the job. Then I read about Experience@Work on our website. And that, as they say, was that! I worked as a handyman for Studio 100 and still got paid by the bank. That gave me both satisfaction and security.
My colleagues were shocked when I told them. They didn't even know I was handy! A number of colleagues are now also considering a switch. I was the first one here to do it and I would certainly recommend it. I'm much less stressed and do up to 16,000 steps a day. And everyone tells me how good I look.
“I hope I’ll be able to do this until I retire.”
Kristin Van Dooren
I have spent my entire career at the bank and in the last few years, I even had a great managerial position. But all that time I was looking for something with a bit more meaning. In 2017, I said goodbye to the bank to start a new chapter in my life as a social worker.
No one was surprised that I chose the healthcare sector. I've always been interested in people’s stories. It was time to give something back to society. The residential care centre where I work now is a great place to do that. If I hadn’t taken that step, I would probably have been sat at home with a burnout by now. Now when I go home in the evening, I can leave my work at work.
“I’m still the same old Kristin. I haven’t changed... but I am happier.”
Annelies Wybo
I'm extremely grateful to the bank for the many wonderful years I’ve worked there. I really got a lot out of it. I always had the chance to discover new things. And I embarked upon new adventures with confidence. First at the bank, now on my own.
No, my story's not about having to leave. I could have stayed, but I thought it was time for something new. Especially to have more of a direct impact. I have that now as a freelancer at Kessels & Smit. I'm more in touch with myself. And I didn't have to lose out financially either. So don't let that stop you.
“You have to have the courage to do what’s best for you and who you really are.”
I'm grateful for everything I've learned at the bank. And for the chances I've been given. When I told them I wanted to start my own business, they were open to it.
“I used to have a great job. Now I have a passion.”
People often think: ‘I've worked at the bank my whole life, I can't do anything else.’ But we underestimate ourselves. There's still a very big world out there waiting for us. Dare to take that step!
“The key aspect throughout my career? People. Both at the bank and at the Red Cross.”