After suffering a career ending injury in 2009, Bribie Island
local Chandrika Prasad has been working closely with Q-COMP's
Return to work assist team and at 58 has reinvented himself to
begin a new career as a Traffic Controller.
As a mechanic Chandrika was completely reliant on the full use
of his hands and when the injury to his finger occurred, his
livelihood took a turn for the worst.
Securing a job for more than three weeks at a time was a
constant struggle - at one point Chandrika described his job search
as 'fighting with my age as well as needing an update of my
skills', a battle that was at times overwhelming.
'I wasn't interested in work anymore or life as a whole, I
neglected my diabetic treatment and one day my sugar levels went
really low and I fell in the canal behind my house' he says as he
remembers the low points of his journey.
In March 2009 Chandrika was referred to Q-COMP's Return to work
assist team for guidance during this tumultuous time in his
professional life. The team worked diligently towards helping
Chandrika re-evaluate his career goals and matched him with the
type of training and recruitment agencies that were also committed
to delivering a successful outcome.
Changing career directions isn't easy at any stage of life, but
to do so at 56 and with a pre-existing injury, Chandrika's
enthusiasm for the challenge was truly admirable.
In February 2010 Chandrika was dealt a further blow when he
sustained another injury, two fractures to his spine - even this
was not enough to dampen his spirit.
Though injured, Chandrika remained committed to returning to the
workforce and with the combined support of the RTW Assist team and
local recruitment agencies, finally secured a full time job as a
Traffic Controller in February 2011.
Since suffering his original injury Chandrika battled both
physical pain and emotional self doubt as his opportunities for
employment appeared few and unsustainable given his incapacity.
Regardless, his attitude towards returning to work and
dedication to retraining for a new career is a tribute to his
success and an inspiration to others.
Sarah-Jane, Return to work assist advisor was so impressed with
the relentless efforts of Chandrika that she will be nominating him
for an award at Q-COMP's Return to work Awards 2011.
"Chandrika is living proof that starting a new career even later
in life is possible with the right attitude." Sarah-Jane says.
"The Return to work assist team are always available for support
and guidance for Queenslanders who find themselves out of work
because of injury." She says, "I hope people will be inspired by
Chandrika's determination and contact the team for assistance."