“This job has taught me I can do anything”: Vanessa’s story
Meet Vanessa: Market Stall Manager, youth worker, activist, pubic speaker and all-round wonder woman. Vanessa recently moved on from Breadwinners to a full-time job at one of the UK’s leading homelessness charities. We caught up to chat about what she learnt from her job with Breadwinners.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
When I first started the job I was nervous. However, the training was helpful and the market managers were friendly and taught me well, which made me feel more confident. Now I wake up every Sunday and I want to go to the market!
The job has given me a purpose. The best part of the job is meeting and talking to people at the market. It’s so nice to see people smiling. No day is the same.
“This job has given me a purpose. It’s taught me I can do anything.”
What have you learnt from being a Market Stall Manager?
I’m learning lots about customer service and how to talk to people. This will help me in my future jobs as I will always have to talk to people. More than anything, this job has taught me I can do anything.
How has working at the markets helped you achieve some of your goals?
One of my goals was to work with a charity, and now I am! I’m also building my employability skills so I’ll be able to move on to another job more easily afterwards.
“The best part of the job is meeting and talking to people at the market.”
What are your ambitions for the future?
In the future, I want to set up my own charity, providing safe housing for people seeking asylum, and so this job has been really useful as it’s shown me different aspects of working in a charity.
And finally, what’s your favourite bread?
My favourite bread is ciabatta, toasted with lots of butter! Or the almond croissant.
See the full article in Reasons to be Cheerful summer magazine.
