From Redundancy to Resilience: Xanthe Roberts' Journey Back to Confidence

The Moment That Changed Everything

"Earth-shattering" is how Xanthe Roberts, a mother of three, described the moment she was made redundant nearly a decade ago. Working in the media industry, she became one of the countless Aussie women facing job loss each year, often leading to a significant blow to their confidence.

Xanthe Roberts was made redundant ten years ago in an earth-shattering move. (Supplied/Xanthe Roberts)

Embracing Motherhood and Community

After her redundancy, Xanthe took a lengthy career break, immersing herself in the chaos and joy of motherhood. She volunteered locally, running a playgroup and serving as President of the P&C at her children’s school. What started as a year away from the workforce turned into a decade.

The Challenge of Returning to Work

When Xanthe finally decided to re-enter the job market, she felt lost. She wanted to change industries but didn’t know where to start or what she was looking for. "Being out of the workforce for so long is a massive knock to your self-confidence," she shared, feeling detached from her skills and unsure how to navigate her return.

Overcoming Barriers with Support

Xanthe's experience is common; a survey by recruitment company Hays found that 64 percent of women in Australia and New Zealand have taken a career break, with many facing challenges when attempting to return to work.

Discovering FW Jobs Academy

Upon realizing the workforce had changed drastically since her departure, Xanthe learned about the FW Jobs Academy. This nationwide program supports women returning to work through training, coaching, and employer connections. The sense of community within the program was invaluable, helping her recognize and articulate her transferable skills.

A New Beginning

With renewed confidence, Xanthe successfully applied for a sales role in the tech sector, crediting the Jobs Academy program and community support for her newfound courage. Jobs Academy is a free, fully virtual program aimed at boosting women's workforce participation and economic security.

Xanthe took this on the first day of her new job in sales. (Supplied/Xanthe Roberts)