Jane Connors is a 22-year-old woman from the Traveller community who, after finishing school in 2018, spent two years seeking employment before becoming an employee of Mr Price. Starting as a sales assistant, Jane progressed to duty manager after just one year before taking up the post of assistant manager. Jane shares her journey with Travellers’ Voice, her struggle to overcome the challenges of being judged for being from the Traveller community, and how her determination to be unapologetic for who she is was encouraged and supported during her three years working with an award-winning company that prides itself on supporting inclusiveness, diversity, and equality. Accompany Jane says, “has given more opportunities than she could ever have imagined.
Discrimination Based on a Last Name
Jane is a regular 22-year-old with aspirations, motivation, and a solid connection to her community. She confided in me that business was her preferred subject in school, and she pursued her passion by enrolling in a PLC course in business studies. Her goal has always been to become a business manager. Jane had been struggling to find a job for two years, and she believed that her last name was the reason for her lack of success. She said potential employers wouldn’t even consider her CV because of her Traveller background. She eventually landed a job at Mr Price, and her father advised her not to disclose her Traveller identity. “He feared that, like many others, as soon as my employer found out, they might fire me. “Unfortunately for many from the Traveller community, that has been the sad reality, “That’s what we have been brought up to think. “says Jane, telling me that initially, that’s what she did for a few weeks until she felt comfortable enough to say to people. “I was surprised it didn’t seem to matter to them; no one made a big deal about it.
I just Wanted to Work
As our conversation progressed, Jane told me that all she wanted to do was work, which was always encouraged and supported by her family. It is evident that Jane’s family instilled pride and confidence in her about her heritage and her ability to work; lack of opportunity because of discrimination took a toll on her mental well-being. Jane says, “I wanted to work, and I know plenty of other young people like me who genuinely want to work. But the discrimination I was experiencing meant my mental health began to suffer. I began to feel anxious and lose confidence; I just wanted to find a job. “Once, I changed my surname on my CV to my Irish surname to see if it would make any difference in getting a job. However, it didn’t feel right to hide my identity, and I realised that I shouldn’t have to lie about who I am to secure employment. So, I changed it back to my original surname. Then, an amazing opportunity to work for Mr Price came along, and I was offered a position by a company that valued my skills and encouraged me to grow professionally.
Employers and Educators must Support Young People in Achieving their Educational and Career Goals
The encouragement Jane received from her coworkers and manager has, according to her, helped her restore her confidence and overcome the social anxiety she was experiencing. “The job means so much to me, “she says, “having to interact with customers has given me more confidence. “she says, “As I progressed to a management position, my confidence has soared. When I started, I never imagined I would be in this position; it seemed impossible and was more like a dream until I started with this company.”
Working People who Encourage You to be Yourself Makes a Difference
Jane spoke highly of her coworkers and manager, who were particularly supportive. Hercoworkers encouraged her to apply for the duty manager position and later for theassistant manager position, recognising her capabilities. According to Jane, shereceives constant encouragement to reach her full potential and take advantage of anyopportunity. Evensharingher story with Travellers’ Voice.She loves working for the company and appreciates the constant encouragement shereceives, even when she doubts herabilities.
Jane is determined to be a positive role model and offers the encouragement and support she was given to other young people from the Traveller community. Jane says that the encouragement she has received from her manager, Adele, since she joined the company three years ago inspires her. “I was encouraged by my parents to go out and get a job and to believe in myself, “she says, continuing, “Obviously, it is a bit devastating when you’re applying for job after job and facing constant rejection. It is a bit of a kick to the gut. But, from day one of taking up my position at this company, I have been encouraged; even when I thought I couldn’t do things, my store manager and the whole team have always told me I could.
A Supportive Family is Everything
Jane has grown up with a supportive family who have instilled in her a deep sense of her cultural heritage and the confidence to be true to herself in the face of adversity. Jane proudly tells me how her dad has always told her to be proud of who she is and her heritage. She says, “I should never hide that. I mean, it is my identity. I should never have to hide that from anyone. “Jane tells me that, like most young people, she may not always agree with her parents. Still, she reiterates, “The one thing I appreciate about my dad is his advice always to be myself. It means a lot to me” She continues, “My whole life, my dad has told me never to be ashamed of who I am, and that is what gives me the confidence to achieve my goals and be who I want to be. My whole family is supportive, which means a lot to me
