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The strength to begin again
Justin’s resilience to begin again after personal struggles is exactly what he works to instil in his clients.
But before he was inspiring individuals and crowds of all ages, he was struggling with his mental health and relationship with alcohol.
After hospitalising himself in 2019, it proved to be the low point which motivated him to make significant changes in his life.
“From there on, I had to figure out what I wanted to do in life. I was a man without a plan” Justin recalled.
He reached out for support from WorkBC through WCG Services, a leader in the development and delivery of employment and rehabilitation services in Canada.
Work BC employment consultant Deidre, who also happened to be a friend of Justin’s, assisted him to find what he might want to do next.
“She ended up setting me up with a life coaching course, and they helped provide funding towards that” Justin said.
“And because of that I am now a life coach and speaker.”
Finding his purpose
Justin remembers the feeling of how hard it was to ask for help when he was struggling with his mental health, well.
At the time he reached out for help, he was 34 years old and a single father and felt uncertainty and even shame at not knowing what he wanted to do with his life.
“You know, a lot of people are hesitant to give us a call – there’s this idea that there’s shame in asking for help” WorkBC job developer Candice said.
“Think of WorkBC as a resource, that we are subject matter experts in the world of work.”
Deidre remembers the moment she felt Justin connected with his purpose, after struggling to find the right place to train and study.
When he found the right place, the change was clear.
“I watched him walk in and at that point, the light bulb was on, he knew exactly what he was wanting and how to get it” Deidre said.
Other members of the WorkBC team who have seen Justin’s progress, say he’s been doing amazing things in their local community.
“Just by walking through a door, your life can change, and there’s nothing to be afraid of” Justin said.
“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about, all of us can use an extra hand.”