Cassandra Kenton Cutler Award Story

Cassandra Kenton’s Story

When I first came to My Employment Options, I was anxious about even looking for a job and wasn\’t sure I was able to get back out into the workforce. I suffer daily from both occipital and trigeminal neuralgia, which is a very debilitating condition, along with having a spinal cord stimulator.  The life I was used to prior was a very successful career-oriented person, and I wanted that life back.

Sarah Lind was determined to help me try to achieve my goal.  So we went to work at getting my resume polished and ready to start the process of looking for the perfect job for me. I had gone on several interviews and started getting discouraged that no one was calling me back. Sarah, however, was a fantastic coach and kept my spirits high and kept me motivated.

In May of 2016, I found a temp to hire position at a Life Insurance Company and discussed with Sarah that I thought I\’d like to apply, even though it said it was a temp to hire. I had no experience in the Insurance industry, but I had a medical background along with great customer service skills, so I applied and got the interview and moved forward to the testing and background check. Next thing I knew, I was going for the second interview.  Sarah coached me again to prepare me, and I got the call 2 weeks later that I was hired.

Fast forward to two and a half years later and I have been hired full time as a Case Manager, and I absolutely love my job!  I have approximately 180 cases at a given time across 6 states and manage the business for two dedicated Life Consultants. Without the coaching and staff at My Employment Options, I\’m not sure I would\’ve ever taken the leap to get back out there, let alone take on such a challenging position.  Everyone at MEO has been amazing on this journey. Although my job can be very demanding and stressful at times, I have missed minimal days and it has not affected my job performance. Sarah has even coached me a year later on how to cope with stressful situations; it hasn\’t just been the resume and getting the job, she has been a tremendous help beyond that phase, continuing to coach me on stress management, and getting through every aspect.

Since going back to work, it has been a challenge for me, but I have persevered.  I’ve had two surgeries, some medical issues that have arisen, but through it all, I have continued to excel in my position.  I am also taking classes through my employer to complete the ACS (Associates in Customer Service), and all of these are characteristics of a person who displays great courage.

If you feel inspired by this story and ready to get back to work, please click here to start an application.