Finding purpose and a career

Since he was a kid, Wade Rix always wanted to work on the frontline – whether that be as a police officer, firefighter or even in the military. But a hearing impairment meant he had to rethink his childhood dream.

For many years, Wade worked as a pilot escort driver, travelling in front or behind a truck with wide or oversized loads. In this role, he traversed up and down the east coast of Australia.

“Most of the jobs I’ve done involved driving,” he says.

“But when I had to hand in my driver’s licence due to a worsening vision impairment, I felt a bit defeated.

“I was born with a hearing impairment, which I learnt to live with, but when I found out I now couldn’t drive, I felt my window of opportunities minimise.”

Wade Rix has embarked on a new career with the support of the RSL Employment Program

Wade’s wife, an Army veteran, advised him to get in touch with the RSL Employment Program, which helps veterans – as well as the partners of veterans and current serving Defence members – find meaningful work.

“I reached out, and they were super helpful and considerate of my situation from the get-go,” he says.

“To me, it wasn’t necessarily about finding another job. I was looking for my next career. Finding that sense of purpose again was very important to me.”

More than a job

Early in the program, Wade’s employment consultant helped identify his foundational interests and values. She then used these to suggest career paths that aligned with not only his previous experience, but also with him personally.

“I did this career quiz, which places you into a category and identifies potential jobs in that category,” he explains.

The tool is designed to help individuals explore suitable occupations based on their interests, preferences and aptitudes.

“It opened my eyes up to what’s actually out there. I didn’t even know that a lot of the recommended jobs existed!” Wade says.

“I liked the idea of becoming a counsellor because I’ve always had a desire to care for and help people, and when I found out that counselling fell into my category, that just solidified it for me.

“So now I’m studying a diploma in counselling and am also an educator at a before and after school care agency.”

Wade heard about the RSL Employment Program through his wife, who served in the Australian Army

Wade’s daily duties include setting up activity areas for the children to play in, organising breakfast or afternoon tea, and generally looking after the students.

“Just interacting with the kids and building that bond with them is probably my favourite thing about the role,” Wade says.

“Knowing that I’m making a positive impact on their lives is really special, and I also get to be a kid again and let my inner child come out.

“And because I’m planning to go down the counselling path, this role is great experience if I ever wanted to become a school counsellor.”

Now almost a year into this role, Wade has recently been promoted to take on more responsibility.

“Career growth opportunities have always been important to me,” he says.

“And because this company has services all over Australia, there are heaps of opportunities for a new role or growth within the company.  

“It’s important to me to be able to keep growing and not get stuck doing the same job.”

Find your fit

If it hadn’t been for the RSL Employment Program, Wade said he would never have been exposed to the opportunities that were out there for him. 

“I didn’t know where to go or what to do when I initially reached out; I was basically lost,” he explains. 

Wade credits the RS Employment Program with helping him find his ideal career

“I would 100% recommend the program to other veterans or their partners. I went from not knowing what to do, to finding my ideal career, to now growing within my company.

“My employment consultant also helped me with my resume and gave me great tips on how to prepare for interviews. 

“I would never have gained these skills, or be where I am today, had it not been for this program.”  

Looking for career support? 

Available nationally, the RSL Employment Program is open to ex-serving Defence members and current or ex-serving Defence members’ partners.