A new outlook on work and the future: Mason’s story
When Mason first connected with the headspace Work & Study program at headspace Edinburgh North, he was feeling disheartened about his future.
For six months, he had been applying for jobs without receiving responses. Over time, the rejections, and even silence, from prospective employers began to feel personal. Eventually, he reached a point where he questioned whether there was any point in continuing to try.
“After six months of trying to find work and not getting responses from my applications, I was losing motivation and felt defeated. I got to the point where I didn’t see any point continuing to try to find work,” Mason said.
Alongside the practical challenges of job searching, Mason was also grappling with a bigger concern about work itself. While he understood that employment is a necessary part of adult life, he felt overwhelmed by the idea of committing to “40+ years” in a job that might make him unhappy. The thought of a daily grind – doing work that felt repetitive, pressured or unfulfilling – was discouraging.
Mason didn’t just want any job. He wanted to find employment that felt manageable, meaningful, and aligned with his values. He was looking for a positive team culture, a supportive environment, and a role where tasks didn’t constantly build up and carry over into the next day.
Starting with strengths
Through the headspace Work & Study program, Mason began working with Sam, a Work and Study Specialist.
The first step was completing a vocational profile centred Mason’s strengths, past experiences, interests and long-term goals. Together, they explored his concerns about work and unpacked the beliefs that had been holding him back.
This process helped Mason realise that employment isn’t one fixed path – there are many different environments, roles and ways of working.
Appointments often took place in relaxed community settings, including at a local café known for its outstanding mochas and hot chocolates, which quickly became a favourite meeting spot. The relaxed, informal setting helped Mason feel comfortable and at ease.
Practical support every step of the way
Over weekly and fortnightly sessions, Mason received tailored, hands-on support with every stage of the job search process.
This included refining and reformatting his resume to better reflect his skills and strengths, exploring local job opportunities, job canvassing, and employer engagement.
Sam also coached Mason on how to apply for positions effectively, and helped him practise common interview questions, including sales and KPI-based scenarios.
Lastly, Sam helped Mason develop strategies for managing rejection and maintaining motivation in the competitive job market.
“I wasn’t left on my own applying – I felt like I had continuous support. I always felt comfortable, and our appointments felt like meeting with a friend who was helping me find work.”
With consistent encouragement and reassurance, and discussions that helped normalise Mason’s concerns about work life, his outlook began to shift.
“Sam helped me change my views on work. I was supported to realise there are many different opportunities. I was feeling more hopeful about my future job options and even started to look at roles and opportunities I had never considered before.”
What once felt overwhelming began to feel flexible – and full of possibility.
Creating opportunity through connection
As part of the program, Sam also connected directly with local employers to identify workplaces that matched Mason’s preferences, particularly those with a strong team culture and supportive management.
During a conversation with a manager at a large local retailer, a casual position was identified at Mason’s preferred store. With his updated resume in hand and renewed confidence, Mason visited the store to introduce himself in person the very next day.
Soon after, he was offered the position!
Thriving in the workplace
Since starting his new role, Mason has continued to grow in confidence. His manager has described him as an exceptional worker, a strong team contributor, and a great fit for the workplace culture.
Importantly, support didn’t stop once Mason secured employment.
Over the following three months, he attended flexible post-placement appointments. During this time, he received guidance on navigating workplace conversations, understanding pay and employment conditions, exploring questions around union membership, and building confidence in communicating with supervisors. This ongoing support ensured Mason felt secure and informed as he settled into his new role.
Today, Mason no longer requires support from the headspace Work & Study program; he feels proud of his progress and grateful for the assistance he received during a challenging time.
Looking ahead with confidence
Mason’s story highlights the power of strengths-based, personalised support.
By focusing on values, preferences, and personal goals, rather than just job vacancies, the headspace Work & Study program helped Mason reframe his thinking about employment and find a role that suits him.
For other young people who may be unsure about reaching out, Mason has a simple piece of advice:
“What do you have to lose?”
Looking for support to achieve your work or study goals?
If you’re aged between 12-25, headspace Edinburgh North and headspace Onkaparinga can help you balance work, study and life commitments through the headspace Work & Study program.
For more information on how to access the program, including eligibility criteria, please visit sonder.net.au/employment-support-for-young-people.
headspace Work & Study is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.