Udo Wiersma

Because of various mergers and acquisitions my job changed drastically. I was no longer  allowed to extensively manage relations with my current customers but was pushed to chase new leads. Some existing customers ended up leaving. I stopped feeling heard and appreciated, I slept poorly and became exhausted. My energy was drained: it was time to make a move.     

My doctor noticed I was close to a burnout, so I had to take some time off. After a few months I went back to work, and this time I only needed to focus on one specific customer segment. Things went well for a while, but it did not last. In the end, the same problem reappeared.

which job could bring me satisfaction and how could i figure this out?

I was distraught, until a friend of mine introduced me to Van Ede & Parters. Again, I got the advice to take some time off. Also, I immediately got started with career counceling. I felt a strong need for guidance and a structured environment and Van Ede & Partners offered both. I had landed my current role unintentionally – it was not part of a conscious decision. I was looking for job satisfaction. But which job could offer me this and how could I figure this out?

Several sessions with a psychologist helped me gain an understanding about my personality and my competencies. I possess a fair amount of self-awareness, but never really considered what truly makes me happy or what it is that drives me. I realized that I place most value on making my customers’ lives easier. To really be there for them. Armed with that knowledge I started looking for a new role, which I quickly found at KWF Kankerbestrijding.

i found happiness in my job

At KWF Kankerbestrijding I took on the role of Regional Coordinator. Initially, I had to get used to the organization’s culture and was even a bit suspicious of all of  thepassionate and enthusiastic colleagues. I had become so used to a macho- and target driven culture! I realized there are other ways. Finally, I had found a real humanitarian line of work. I now support all regional boards with their fundraising and can say that I am truly happy with my role.