Nataliya’s story

Nataliya found confidence and a new direction through a career review.

Nataliya is 40 and lives in Pembrokeshire. After working in education for seven years, she decided it was time for a change. Although she had enjoyed her role, she was finding things increasingly stressful.

She said, “When you lose that spark and drive, you know something needs to change.”
After leaving her role, Nataliya began looking for new work but felt unsure about what to do next.

While claiming Universal Credit, Nataliya was advised to contact Working Wales for careers advice.

Exploring options

Nataliya met with her careers adviser, Lara, the following week. Lara took time to understand Nataliya’s situation, including the challenges she was facing both at work and at home.

During their sessions, Lara helped Nataliya update her CV, work on a cover letter and explore different career options.

She said, “Lara was very supportive. At that time, my confidence was really low.”

“She guided me step by step. She never pressured me. She just helped me see what might suit me and what wouldn’t.”

Lara shared tools and short exercises to help Nataliya better understand her strengths and interests. She also referred Nataliya to a free IT course to build additional skills.

Taking practical steps

Over several appointments, Lara helped Nataliya put a clear plan together.

Nataliya said, “Lara was always writing the plan and sending it to me after our meeting. Those little steps were really valuable. They gave me guidance when I needed it most.”

After some time out of work, Nataliya began applying for roles. She decided to start somewhere new, even if it was temporary.

Nataliya shared, “You have to get out of the house and try. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. But you have to give yourself that chance.”

Gaining confidence through work

Nataliya applied for a housekeeping role at a local hotel. Soon after dropping off her CV, she was contacted and offered an interview for a front‑of‑house position instead.

She said, “I really didn’t expect it, but the interview actually went really well.”

She was offered the role and began working at the hotel.

“That’s when I realised I was good at more than I thought," She added.

Ready for what’s next

Personal circumstances meant Nataliya had to step away from the role after a few weeks. However, the experience helped her recognise her strengths and rebuild confidence.

She shared, “It gave me belief in myself. I can see now that I can do a lot of things.”

Nataliya is currently helping in her family business and feels more prepared for future opportunities when the time is right.

Reflecting on her experience, she strongly encourages others to seek careers support.

Nataliya said, “Getting professional advice makes everything clearer. Step‑by‑step guidance really helps.”

She added, “Lara believed in me. Sometimes support from someone outside your family can be even stronger. It felt really validating.”

If you've been inspired by Nataliya’s story, you can book a free career review to help you make a career change.

Explore