How Harry, Saskia, and Winfred Came together: an inspiring story
Sometimes, in the field, you come across stories—stories that inspire, make you think, or are simply worth sharing. This is one of those stories:
“Over the past 10 years, since my children left home, I haven’t been able to fulfill a long-held wish: to get a job at a company. My age, the fact that I’m a woman, and the arts and culture sector make it difficult. What has been your experience?”
Looking back on the past year, this email from early August has stayed with us. There was a deep sigh in the words that our colleague Winfred also felt—the urgent need for a positive experience for this candidate. He called her while they were walking through the gardens of the Voorlinden Museum. Coincidentally, he also spoke that same day with Harry, who works in the field where Saskia has experience. And so it quickly followed:
“Hi Saskia and Harry, I’m delighted to set you up.”
A brief introduction to both of them and a suggestion that they get in touch and perhaps help each other out. Time passed, and the memory of these two people—who had been brought together quite by chance—faded amid the daily grind. Until, in October, we received the following reply:
“I’m delighted to be back after my conversation with Harry. After a brief introduction, he quickly mentioned that he didn’t have a paid position for me. However, he did see an opportunity for me to make a difference in the area of: ‘how do you bring digital heritage stories to a wide audience?’ In any case, thank you for your mediation, because you don’t know either Harry or me, and yet you connected us. That in itself is really nice and special.”
"You don't know either Harry or me, and yet you've paired us up."
When Harry met Saskia... This example is typical of many of our colleagues: they take pleasure in connecting people who might have something to offer each other. It also involves challenging preconceptions and expectations, such as the idea that you’re past your prime once you’ve turned sixty. Everyone has something to contribute in their own way, whether that’s innovative ideas, experience, or—by no means least—both. And so it turns out, because even though Harry couldn’t help out right away, Saskia will be joining the organization where he’s currently doing interim work next year at Winfred’s request. When Saskia met Winfred.
Ultimately, we hope that everyone can approach the job market with such an open mind. Let yourself be surprised by the people you meet during the hiring process, and think in terms of possibilities. Who knows who you might meet...
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