Zak’s journey to self-employment

Zelko, better known as Zak, is 54 years old and lives with a spinal disorder. He often experiences sciatica, which has presented significant barriers on his journey to employment. 

Zak’s back injury impacted not only his physical health but also his mental health, making it difficult for him to secure stable work. He needed tailored support and a clear plan to help him find meaningful employment. 

Through referral to uLaunch by Centrelink, Zak connected with the Mirrabooka Disability Employment Services team. From the initial meeting, it was clear that Zak had a positive attitude towards work but needed support to help him along the way. 

The team began by actively listening to Zak’s goals and aspirations. He shared that he enjoyed working with his hands and paying attention to fine detail. The team suggested exploring painting and decorating, an area that suited Zak’s skills and interests. 

While Zak was excited by the idea, he had doubts about whether his physical limitations would hold him back. The team soon found a role for Zak, and he committed to giving it a fair go. To support Zak in his role, uLaunch purchased work clothes, assisted in transport costs, and communicated with his employer about Zak’s condition. 

Despite his enthusiasm, after a few weeks Zak found the full-time nature of the role challenging. His back injury made it difficult to keep up, and he decided that working for someone else wasn’t the right fit for him due to the pressure. 

When Zak returned to the Mirrabooka team, they discussed the idea of self-employment in the same area of work. Zak was inspired by the idea and the team supported him through the registration process, helping him complete the necessary paperwork to establish himself as a self-employed painter. Zak leveraged the experience and connections from his previous role to secure initial contracts, and within weeks, his business was up and running. 

Now 8 weeks into self-employment, Zak is thriving and loves the flexibility to manage his own time and take breaks when he wants. Zak has also noticed a significant improvement in his mental health. 

With regular check-ins from the uLaunch team, Zak continues to excel. He already has contracts lined up that will keep him busy in the months ahead. 

Zak’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, tailored support, and finding a path that aligns with your skills and interests. It shows that sometimes a change in direction is all it takes to thrive. 

You could be eligible for help in finding a suitable job from uLaunch Disability Employment Services, just like Zak.