Liz's Story
Success Stories
Liz spent seventeen years serving as a medic in the Royal Navy, moving wherever she was needed – Scotland, Plymouth, Yeovilton, Portsmouth, Gibraltar, and on ships like HMS Portland, HMS Dauntless and HMS Illustrious. She loved the purpose of the work and the sense of belonging that came with it. Service life gave her structure and a role that mattered.
Leaving the military was not the ending she had imagined. She left with CPTSD after racial harassment and bullying. Listening circles with other Commonwealth personnel helped her understand she wasn’t alone, but that realisation came with its own weight. She stepped out of the Navy carrying trauma responses, a shaken sense of identity, and the fear that her skin colour might again affect her opportunities. She describes that time simply: she was frightened, and she was lonely.
During resettlement she realised she needed more support than she was receiving. She came across Lifeworks almost by chance – an advert that appeared at the moment she was searching for something more. Signing up felt impulsive, but it turned out to be, in her words, the best decision she could have made. It gave her direction and a sense that her future wasn’t closed off.
Walking into the course, she found a room full of veterans who looked just as nervous as she felt. There was uncertainty in the air, but also a quiet thread of hope. Within hours, those strangers felt like allies. Her instructor, Ian, made a lasting difference. He was attentive and encouraging, and he shared enough of his own experience to help others feel safe. When someone struggled, he noticed. When someone needed space, he gave it. His openness helped her speak honestly about her own experiences, something she hadn’t been able to do for a long time.
Years of missed promotions due to illness, pregnancy, and administrative gaps had chipped away at her confidence. Despite glowing reports, she had come to see herself as “just a medic.” Lifeworks helped her see her skills clearly again – not as jargon on a CV, but as real strengths. Ian helped her translate her experience into language she could believe in. She began applying for roles she once thought were out of reach, even when imposter syndrome tried to pull her back.
The job market was unforgiving. She applied for more than 350 roles, often competing with hundreds of other applicants. She was repeatedly told she was either too qualified or not commercial enough. Then she came across a role that felt different and she sent off her application with no expectations, but it turned out to be the one that opened the door. She was invited to interview almost immediately, and soon after, she was offered the job.
Liz is now an Office Manager and Document Controller for Taylor Woodrow at the Fawley Oil Refinery. She had no experience in the industry, but the company saw her potential and invested in her. Her line manager understands her CPTSD and supports her with patience and respect. The role is temporary while the project runs, but the company has already discussed future pathways – including Health and Safety – because they see her capability and drive.
Alongside her new role, she is studying counselling, with plans to progress into psychotherapy and trauma‑informed practice. She wants to support veterans in the future and is already working with charities to develop mental health courses.
She still lives with CPTSD, but Lifeworks helped her see beyond the fear and into the future. Ian continued to check in during her long job search, offering encouragement when she needed it most. She describes Lifeworks as instrumental – something that helped her see through the fog and believe that her life could move forward again.
“Taylor Woodrow is committed to inclusive recruitment, actively supporting members of the Armed Forces community by removing barriers to employment and creating sustainable career opportunities within our projects. As an Armed Forces veteran, Liz has transitioned seamlessly into her role as Office Manager and Document Controller, quickly establishing herself as a key asset to our project team. Her proactive approach, ability to identify improvements, and willingness to introduce innovative solutions are underpinned by the skills and training she developed during her previous career. Liz’s contribution not only enhances our project outcomes but also demonstrates the significant value that veterans bring to the workforce.” – James, Senior Project Manager, Tayor Woodrow
