Patricia's resilience: 'Work gives me freedom'

Patricia Ricks (59) ended up on welfare last year. Her life story is impressive and not without its setbacks, but Patricia doesn't let them get her down. She recently started working at the reception desk at TOPdesk. "If I fall, I want to get right back up."

Patricia was born in Germany, but grew up in Liberia from the age of seven, until the civil war broke out there. "My family members were murdered then. Thanks to my mother's Dutch citizenship, we were able to come to the Netherlands." Patricia built a new life in the Netherlands. "I got married, but unfortunately, I became a widow a few years later."

Netherlands, England and back again
At forty, Patricia has two children and is having a hard time finding work. "I could find work in England, so I moved there. I lived and worked in England for 15 years. First in a shop for a long time, and in recent years in customer service." In 2020, Patricia returned to the Netherlands, near her mother – who is now 83 and lives in The Hague.

Finding work is proving difficult again. "They don't say it, but you sense age plays a role." Thanks to her mother's home help, she's able to work for home healthcare. But she develops physical problems, both in her back and hands. Ultimately, surgery on her hands forces her to stay home sick. "The recovery took longer than I thought. And during that time, my 21-year-old son passed away."

A time of mourning
That's how Patricia transitioned from sickness benefits to social assistance. She's come a long way and been through a lot. Yet she perseveres. "My faith helps me. It's a lifeline. I have confidence and I'm positive and realistic. The grieving is still there. Yesterday I had a huge crying fit – but that doesn't mean I want to stay home forever."

On the road to self-confidence
Through the assistance she comes into contact with Werkse!My consultant, Corine, was completely dedicated to me. I took the "Know Your Strengths" training and the "Job Application Skills" training. I was so nervous about applying for jobs. I wanted to gain more self-confidence. This training allowed me to practice interviewing, which was very helpful.

Freedom and self-esteem
Right after this training, Corine shared the TOPdesk vacancy at the reception desk. "I went for an interview and... I nailed it," Patricia says with a big smile. Patricia enjoys working at the reception desk 24 hours a week. "I work with a lot of young people, which I enjoy, and it keeps me young at heart. Work makes me happy and gives me a lot of freedom. I've accomplished something and have control over my own life. It takes away my fears and is good for my self-esteem."

Tips
Her tips for others? "Dare to ask! What do you need? Ask for this. Sometimes it's not possible, but it does start with asking. Speak up and let them know what you want. And of course, it all starts with wanting it yourself."