Romane’s Story
Romane met her husband while he was serving as a lieutenant – later a captain – in the New Zealand Defence Force. When he transferred to the British Army in 2024, she followed him to the UK the following year, settling in York while he worked at Imphal Barracks. Moving to the UK meant starting again in every sense: new surroundings, new routines, and no familiar support network.
Before the move, Romane had built her career as an administrator at Massey University in New Zealand. She knew she had the skills to continue that path in Britain, but the transition was far from straightforward. Starting again in a new country brought uncertainty and a real pressure to settle quickly, and the job search felt even more daunting because of it.
Romane describes herself as someone who becomes extremely nervous in interviews, even when she knows she can do the job. The stress often held her back and slowly chipped away at her confidence, leaving her worried that it would take months to find work. While applying for her visa, she received support from the Army Families Federation. When she asked them about employment in the UK, they told her about Lifeworks – RBVE’s programme for veterans and military families. It was the first time she felt there might be a place designed for people exactly like her.
At first, she wasn’t sure what to expect. But from the moment she joined the programme, she felt at ease. Ian, her Lifeworks coach, welcomed her warmly, answered every question, and created an environment where she felt heard rather than judged. Being surrounded by other participants made a difference too; it reminded her she wasn’t alone in her worries, and that others were facing their own versions of the same struggle.
Over the programme, Romane began to rebuild her confidence. She learned how to adapt her CV to UK standards, how to prepare for interviews, and how to manage the nerves that had always stood in her way. One piece of advice from Ian stayed with her more than anything else: if you’ve been invited to an interview, it’s because they already believe you’re capable. It became a grounding reminder each time doubt crept in.
With renewed belief in herself, Romane began applying for roles and the interviews soon followed. She went on to received two job offers: a part-time customer service role with a train company, and a full-time position as an Imaging Support Worker at NHS York Hospital. She chose the hospital role and quickly found herself thriving. It was a position that gave her real responsibility, and she felt she had a place where she could contribute and be valued. She met patients from all walks of life, worked alongside clinical and non-clinical teams, and felt genuinely welcomed from her first day.
Even after she started her new job, Ian continued to check in which is something she deeply appreciated. His support didn’t end when the course did.
Now, with her husband’s next posting taking them to the south of England, Romane will soon be job-hunting again. This time, she feels prepared. She knows how to present her experience, how to approach interviews, and how to steady herself when nerves rise. Most importantly, she knows she isn’t facing it alone.
Romane gives her thanks to the Army Families Federation for guiding her through the visa process and introducing her to Lifeworks, and an enormous thank you to Ian for his encouragement and belief in her potential.
