A Return to Meaningful Employment Through Customized Support
May 21, 2025
At 59 years old, AJ, a long-time resident of Langley, faced significant barriers re-entering the workforce. After dedicating 13 years to working as a Residential Care Worker, AJ had to leave the profession in 2015 due to occupational stress injuries – specifically, workplace burnout. This was the beginning of a difficult chapter of his life, worsening the chronic major depressive disorder and anxiety he had managed since his teens.
Prior to his career in care work, AJ had completed a Culinary Diploma in 1999 and worked as a cook for two decades. However, after several years out of the workforce, AJ felt unsure of what direction to take. He lacked confidence in his ability to return to work, uncertain about what kind of job he could manage with his mental health challenges and whether any employer would be willing to support him.
That’s when AJ connected with the Langley WorkBC Centre to get support in navigating a return to the labour market. Recognizing his unique circumstances, WorkBC provided Customized Employment Services, a person-centred approach designed for clients with complex barriers.
AJ was paired with Giuliana, a Customized Employment Specialist, who worked closely with him through each step of the process. AJ completed a Discovery Assessment which helped identify AJ’s strengths, needs, and interests. Unsurprisingly, AJ expressed a continued interest for culinary work. However, he remained hesitant about re-entering a high-stress environment and unsure whether employers would re-train him and accommodate his needs.
Giuliana facilitated a Community Attachment opportunity at Mission Thrift Store, where AJ gradually re-adjusted to working with others in a team setting. This gentle reintroduction allowed him to practice managing his symptoms in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
With progress and increased self-assurance, AJ then began an Unpaid Work Experience at The Bistro, a local Langley café and catering business. There, he rediscovered his culinary talents and grew more confident in his ability to handle the demands of the kitchen. This placement was a critical moment in AJ’s back to work journey; it demonstrated to AJ that he still had much to offer and could succeed while managing his mental health.
Following this success, Giuliana supported AJ in preparing for job interviews and developing tools to cope with anxiety. She actively marketed him to local employers and was successful in securing a Paid Wage Subsidy Work Experience at White Spot in Langley. AJ began working as a part-time prep cook with a modified work schedule designed to support his mental well-being.
The placement has been a resounding success. AJ reports that White Spot is one of the best workplaces he has ever worked. He is learning new procedures and adapting to the restaurant’s policies. Importantly, the team has been exceptionally welcoming and supportive; every shift he is greeted with smiles and everyone already knows his name.
His shifts are short (four hours) and rotative, allowing AJ to understand the demands and responsibilities of each shift. White Spot gives him the schedule well in advance, so he has time to prepare mentally for each shift and to rest adequately between them. As AJ puts it, he is “slowly regaining confidence and learning to be more patient with himself.”
AJ’s story is a powerful testament to what’s possible when compassionate, personalized employment services are provided. Through the combined efforts of the Langley WorkBC Centre, AJ’s Customized Employment Specialist, and supportive community employers, AJ has re-entered the workforce in a role that honours both his experience and his needs.
