The team at Work Opportunities Unlimited (WOU) is dedicated to producing successful employment outcomes for those with barriers to employment, so when Michael began feeling overwhelmed by changes in his personal life and at work, he turned to WOU’s services for help retaining his job. With WOU’s support, Michael has a rewarding new career and feels more in control of his life. Michael is a shining example of an individual who has put in the work to find success in the workplace!
Michael N. at Texas Roadhouse
In November 2021, Michael began working with Craig Carey, Career Resource Specialist on WOU’s Brunswick/Portland, ME team. Michael wished to maintain his current role at a convenience store chain, where he had enjoyed cleaning sinks, sweeping and mopping floors, and stocking drinks in coolers, but he felt overwhelmed by changes at his workplace. Craig dedicates his days to breaking down barriers to employment for people with disabilities, so he jumped in to help Michael feel more comfortable at his employer and retain the position he had grown to love. Craig supported Michael onsite to help him focus on tasks and adjust to changes in job expectations from the series of different managers that took over throughout his employment. During this time, Michael was living independently for the first time as his father had been moved to a veteran’s home for assistance with his healthcare needs. Despite feeling stressed and overwhelmed by changes occurring at work and in his personal life, Craig helped Michael successfully maintain employment at the convenience store until budget cuts eliminated his position in mid-2024.
Michael and Craig began job development to prepare Michael for a successful return to the workplace. Craig helped Michael update his resume, practice his interview skills, and determine which types of roles would be a good fit for him. They began searching for jobs that would utilize his cleaning skills. Craig also helped Michael navigate his feelings of frustration from the changes in his life. Throughout this process, Michael learned new skills and developed deep trust with WOU services. Craig shares, “Supporting Michael during this time of inconsistency and instability, it was amazing to see how grounding the job development process was for him. He took the process seriously and applied himself with the goal of being successful.” Craig helped Michael submit his application for a cleaning opportunity at Texas Roadhouse, an employer where other WOU clients have enjoyed long-term roles, and accompanied him to the interview. Michael arrived on time and well-dressed to make a positive first impression, and he answered interview questions with ease. The interviewer, Abby, could see that Michael was the right person for the job, and he was hired on the spot! Michael began his role in July 2024, responsible for cleaning the restaurant’s floors three days per week.
“From his hiring through the next few weeks, Michael was simply beaming with how much he loved his job,” shares Craig. The Texas Roadhouse team was very welcoming and supportive, helping familiarize Michael with the floor cleaning machine and introducing him to health and safety protocols. With Craig’s support, Michael quickly gained proficiency over his tasks, and he now enjoys the opportunity to work in a mostly self-directed manner. Craig coached Michael through his perfectionism and helping him view critiques of his performance as constructive. Craig explains, “Michael will say that he wants to do his work to absolute perfection. We will often discuss how perfection is elusive and how making progress is the aim. In addition, Michael has been continuing to grow in being able to accept criticism for what it is, because it helps everyone on the team as they work together towards a common goal.”
Michael is a valued member of the team at Texas Roadhouse, a fantastic employer where his work ethic, dedication, and skills are appreciated. General Manager Heath and Michael’s supervisors all praise his stellar performance, dependability, and willingness to ask coworkers for assistance when needed. Michael continues to find new tasks to help his team and add value to his role, like cleaning the restrooms and breaking down cardboard boxes at the end of his shift. He has grown in confidence and increased his hours to four shifts each week. Moreover, his job provides an important source of stability for Michael while coping with additional life changes, including the devastating loss of his father. “Michael has developed more tolerance for change in his life and accepting the things he is unable to change,” says Craig. “Overall, Michael’s outlook on life has trended towards much more positivity as he has grown at work and things have settled after so much change. He feels at home at Texas Roadhouse and states that he plans to stay ‘for the rest of his life.’” Congratulations, Michael!
