Jacqueline’s Journey from Entrepreneurship to a Thriving Career
Introduction
The RFS Career Academy Coaching and Mentoring Programme is free to join and provides military spouses and the Armed Forces Community with the confidence, focus, and clarity of direction to achieve personal working goals and create a sustainable future.
The programme recognises that every candidate is at different stages of their journey to finding career satisfaction; by applying a bespoke, person-centred approach, we offer the best possible service to our candidates.
The programme currently has 70 active coaches who generously volunteer their time. Demand for a place on the programme is high— in January 2023, we received over 40 enquiries, with 21 candidates being ‘matched’ with coaches/mentors.
We are now actively recruiting for new coaches/mentors to support the programme and reduce our waiting list times!
Background & Challenge
Jacqueline, a military spouse and a member of the Armed Forces community for over 16 years, found herself at a career crossroads. After travelling extensively with her Army spouse for many years, Jacqueline decided to settle into civilian life with their children while her partner continued to serve.
CHALLENGE:
Despite having successfully started and managed her own award-winning business, she wanted to be part of a larger organisation where she could collaborate with others on a daily basis. However, the gap in traditional employment during those years left her feeling inadequate and uncertain about re-entering the workforce.
Although Jacqueline’s entrepreneurial achievements demonstrated her capability, she struggled with the belief that she “hadn't worked for years”, which significantly impacted her confidence. She had secured a job in her preferred industry and progressed rapidly, but internal self-doubt and nagging insecurities continued to hold her back. This lack of confidence persisted, even as she applied for three different roles within organisations she admired, reaching the final stages of each process.
Jacqueline was paired with a BAE coach with experience in professional development and strategy. Over the course of their sessions, Jacqueline and her coach concentrated on:
Building confidence: Jacqueline worked on recognising and internalising her previous successes, helping her to believe in her own capabilities and value within the professional world.
Shifting mindset: The coaching helped Jacqueline reframe her thoughts around her career gap, transforming her perceived limitations into strengths. This shift enabled her to approach her job search and professional challenges with greater self-assurance.
Developing a clearer vision: Jacqueline also worked on clarifying her long-term career aspirations, aligning them with her personal and professional values to create a clear pathway forward.
[My coach} changed my way of thinking and helped me come to more positive conclusions than I had been previously. I’m now in a job I love, and I’m happier than I’ve been since returning to the workplace.
Jacqueline
Outcome
Jacqueline’s journey with her coach was transformative. Over several months, their coaching sessions focused on tackling Jacqueline’s internalised doubts and reshaping her bthought processes. Her coach provided practical tasks and fortnightly reviews, which helped Jacqueline build confidence and shift her perspective on her career gap. With this support, Jacqueline began to view her experiences as strengths rather than setbacks.
In the midst of job applications, Jacqueline reached the final stages for three roles and ultimately received an offer. Although it wasn’t her first choice, her coach encouraged her to focus on the positives and recognise her achievements. Six weeks into her new position, Jacqueline found herself thriving and truly enjoying her role. She had even been invited to apply for her manager’s position due to upcoming changes in the team.
Reflecting on the experience, Jacqueline shared, “[My coach} changed my way of thinking and helped me come to more positive conclusions than I had been previously. I’m now in a job I love, and I’m happier than I’ve been since returning to the workplace.”
The tools and strategies Jacqueline gained from the programme continue to guide her, and she credits the mentoring sessions with reigniting her confidence and optimism for the future.
A humbling experience that made me look at myself and my thought processes whilst being supported and guided along the way. As I have settled in civvy street with my husband still in the Army, I often don’t feel
fully part of either community. This process allowed me to feel heard and made me realise my circumstances are quite unique, and I deserve to ask for support. I’m now in a job I absolutely love, I’m smiling all the time, and I can see my career going from strength to strength. Thank you, RFS.
Jacqueline
Purpose
The Coaching and Mentoring Programme is often utilised by candidates who are unemployed due to the transient nature of their partner's employment status in the Armed Forces. Mobility affects not only their employability but also their confidence and mental wellbeing.
Candidates seek support through the programme to evaluate their situation and regain the inner strength needed to achieve their career ambitions.