Driving in a New Career Direction

After a 26-year career in corporate America, Ted Gillian was let go by his company and began the difficult task of finding a new job and changing careers. Gillian turned to the Employment Development Department (EDD) for assistance with his job search and skills training through the America's Job Center of CaliforniaSM (AJCC) in San Luis Obispo. AJCCs offer a variety of services that bring employers with job openings and qualified job seekers together at no cost.

That is where Gillian met Barbara Wigney, an EDD workforce services representative in San Luis Obispo. With her assistance, he learned to navigate within CalJOBS, an online resource that helps job seekers and employers to explore the State’s available workforce services. It is a useful online tool where job seekers can search for jobs, create resumes, and more. Employers also use CalJOBS to find qualified candidates for open positions.

“I was offered a few services from EDD and took advantage of what I could to get myself back on financial track,” explained Wigney.

“But the most help I feel I received was honestly the compassion and personal assistance, including job and career recommendations that Barbara Wigney graciously offered. She listened to my story and calmed my worries, then set up my file and started the EDD services and programs. She followed up with me and actually showed that she cared.”

Gillian expressed interest in bus driving, so Wigney connected him with the local school district paid training program. She checked in with Gillian regularly, inspiring him to continue with the training. Once his training was completed, Gillian started his new career as a bus driver with the San Luis Obispo Coastal Unified School District.

“I honestly can't thank her enough,” said Wigney. “I was just telling my wife how I wished I would have started school bus driving 20 years ago as this is such a rewarding job, and I am lucky enough to work with some amazing people.”

Gillian’s advice for others looking for a new career, “Look at your situation in a positive light and as an exciting new step in your life. Change can be good if you let it. Go after your new career with enthusiasm and enjoy the adventure.”