Patricia's resilience: 'Work gives me freedom'

Patricia Ricks (59) found herself on welfare last year. Her life story is impressive and not without setbacks, but Patricia does not let this bother her. She recently started working behind the reception desk at TOPdesk. ‘When I fall down, I want to get up right away.’

Patricia was born in Germany, but grew up in Liberia from the age of seven. Until the civil war broke out there. ‘Relatives of mine were killed then. Thanks to my mother’s Dutch nationality, we were able to go to the Netherlands.’ In the Netherlands, Patricia built a new life. ‘I got married, but I unfortunately became a widow a few years later.’

The Netherlands, England and back again
At 40, Patricia has two children and finds it hard to get work. ‘In England, I could get work, so I moved there. I lived and worked in England for 15 years. First for a long time in a shop, and the last few years in customer service.’ In 2020, Patricia returned to the Netherlands, close to her mother – who is now 83 and lives in The Hague.

Again, getting work is difficult. ‘They don’t say it, but you feel age has to do with it.’ Through her mother’s home help, she is able to work in home care. But she develops physical complaints, to her back and to her hands. Eventually, an operation on her hands causes her to sit home sick. ‘The recovery took longer than I thought. And during that time, my 21-year-old son died.’

A time of mourning
So Patricia comes from the sickness law into welfare. She has come a long way and gone through a lot. Yet she keeps going. ‘My faith helps me. It is a foothold. I am confident and I am positive-realistic. The grieving is still there. Just yesterday I had a huge crying fit – but that doesn’t mean I want to sit at home all the time.’

On the road to self-confidence
Through welfare, she comes into contact with Werkse! ‘My counsellor Corine devoted herself fully to me. I took the ‘Know Your Power’ training and the ‘Job Application Skills’ training. Applying for a job made me so nervous. I wanted to gain more self-confidence. At this training, I was able to practice having a conversation. That helped me a lot.’

Freedom and self-esteem
‘Shortly after this training, Corine shared the TOPdesk vacancy, at reception. ‘I went for an interview and… I’ve nailed it,’ says Patricia with a big smile. Patricia works 24 hours a week at reception with great pleasure. ‘I work with a lot of young people, I like that and it keeps me young at heart. Work makes me happy and brings me a lot of freedom. I have achieved something and have control over my own life. It takes away anxiety and is good for my self-esteem.’

Tips
Her tips to others? ‘Dare to ask! What do you need? Ask for this. Sometimes it can’t be done, but it starts with asking. Speak up and let people know what you want. And of course it starts with wanting it yourself.’