“Not only do I like it [Fresh Start], but I’m trying to get people I know to come here who need help. It has education in areas that are needed.”
In November 2023, Megan* quit the job she had for five years because of its toxic work environment. Although she loved the job itself, her coworkers and new upper management made it unbearable. Megan even tried moving states to work within new offices in hopes of change, but nothing helped.
“I was making good money, but it wasn’t a career. The healthcare there took nearly half of my check. So, I went without healthcare for a long time… it was difficult to use what little benefits we had, and everything was changing. They were trying to inch their way to more profits.”
While scrolling through her Instagram feed one day, Megan saw an ad showcasing career training and certifications from Fresh Start Women’s Foundation.
She went to the Fresh Start website and was intrigued by several career training courses offered through the organization, including Cable Harness Wiring, Semiconductor Technician, and Electrical Applications.
Eager to begin a career with upward mobility and security, Megan pursued the Cable Harness Wiring program that started in April 2024.
With Fresh Start’s help, Megan applied for scholarships and received a stipend as long as she enrolled in her training with Fresh Start. Megan was so excited to learn she would receive the stipend.
“I didn’t know about the three other classes that worked hand-in-hand with cable harness wiring and when Fresh Start asked me, ‘Do you want to do the other three classes that go with it?’ and I said, ‘Sign me up!’”
Megan began the cable harness wiring training and enjoyed the material in class. Her only challenge was the early mornings.
“I’m not a morning person, so the first week of coming to Fresh Start and getting my resume ready was pretty hard for me. In the class itself, it was amazing and easy for me.”
She particularly liked the extra learning opportunities at Fresh Start, such as resume building and interview preparation.
She was also surprised to connect with the other women in her program.
“My cohorts were really connected. We talked, texted, and helped each other with classes. We were all in the same boat of being tired of where we’re at.”
Megan encouraged her former coworker, who had been let go by their old employer, to come to Fresh Start for her next step.
“I even tried to get my “work mom” to come here. I love it here, and I’m trying to get people I know to come here who need help.”
Megan hopes that other women looking to leave toxic working environments will find the courage to leave their situations and successfully return to the workforce.
“When I got away, I found Fresh Start, and its free training to empower women; I just really liked it.”
After completing the Cable Harness Wiring program, Megan earned a certificate and was hired by Adecco as an autonomous driver.