John's story
I spent over 25 years working as a Financial Director at a global organisation. But over time I became dissatisfied with the direction senior management were taking the company, and I stopped enjoying my job. There was a real problem with the company culture, which everybody was feeling - it wasn't a healthy atmosphere. I looked around me and thought, 'my children have left home, I can afford to take a risk'. I felt it was time for something different.
I'd done a number of caba courses in the past and really valued them, so I booked their course 'Where next? Planning the next step in your career'. The course was in Birmingham, and I even found the train journey beneficial - I felt like I was leaving a stressful environment, both emotionally and literally. It was a pivotal day for me.
The course challenged me to think deeply about my strengths and the things I enjoy, both in terms of my hard skills and also my personal skills. It made me think about how I want to contribute to the world in a broader sense. I realised that I like working with others, and that I'd be happier working in a team that focuses on people and their welfare.
Just days later, I told my wife that I was ready for a change in direction. I met up with the course leader for some one-to-one coaching sessions as part of the free support caba provide. This really helped me in interviews, because I was able to be really clear about what motivates me and what I can bring to a team in a confident way.
Within 6 weeks, I was in a new role as Finance Director in the charity sector. It's so great to be with an organisation that focuses on the wellbeing of others. And as part of my role, I am studying for an MSc in Charity Finance. For me, the caba course and coaching have been instrumental in realigning my career with my values and getting me where I want to be at this stage in my life. It was a big confidence boost, and just a brilliant way to refocus. I would say to anyone considering working with caba in this way, go with an open mind and prepare to be challenged. It's important to disrupt the ideas you have about yourself and really dig deep to imagine the life you want to be living.