‘Don’t give up on yourself' - Discovering a new career after injury
It’s a busy afternoon at DHL’s Hatfield depot, but security supervisor Ozer Ismail makes time for a friendly chat with every driver, checking their details and directing them to the right place. The 65-year-old, from nearby Waltham Cross, clearly loves his work.
But it was a different story a few years ago. Ozer endured four years of operations for arthritis in his hands, so couldn’t work. “I didn’t know what career I could go into,” he says.
“I was an area manager at a cleaning company, but I found it difficult driving round all day because of the pain in my hands, so had to pack that up. Before that, I was a carpenter for 25 years; now, I can’t even lift a kettle with my right hand.”
Carving a new path
That time out of work took its toll on Ozer. “I felt like a prisoner in my own room,” he says.
“I was 64 and I hated the idea of not working and having to claim Universal Credit, so I signed up for a three-month course to get my security industry authority licence.
“It wasn’t easy and I studied an extra two hours at home to get my head round it. But I managed to do it and felt very proud of myself.”
Soon after, Ozer got a full-time job as a security guard thanks to a great CV he wrote on the course – and was promoted to supervisor after six months.
Thriving in his new role, Ozer is very grateful for the help he received to get there.
He says: “Jobcentre Plus were absolutely brilliant. They helped me every single step of the way.
“After four years of inactivity, I wondered what I could do. I spoke to my work coach, who put me in contact with Reed employment agency and I started going there every week. I got on the security course - and it didn’t take me long to get a job after.
“Now the only thing I lift is a pen. I took to the job like a duck to water and I enjoy it.”
Feeling fulfilled
The social side of the job is important to Ozer, who uses his extensive experience and skills in his new role.
He says: “My communication skills are second to none after being a manager for years. There’s hundreds of lorry drivers, and I get on well with them because I know how to talk to them. We have a laugh and get the job done.”
This is echoed by Shirley Yoxen, facilities manager at DHL Hatfield: “Ozer is one of our best guards. He had training for the job and he’s picked it up quickly.
“Ozer is respected, polite and organised - and I think that comes from years of experience. More experienced workers are reliable and have respect for each other; that’s so valuable.”
Ozer is proof that age is no barrier to starting a new career, and to others in a similar position.
He says: “Don’t give up on yourself. We’re all unique and you can always find positivity. Work for what you want and you’ll achieve it. Look at me – I’m 65, I’ve started a new career, and I love it.”
Take control of your job search at gov.uk/jobhelp
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