Finding a 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’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.

More than a job

Early in the program, Wade’s employment consultant helped identify his foundational interests and values. “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’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.”

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 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.”

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

The RSL Employment Program offers tailored employment and education support to help veterans and the partners of current and ex-serving Defence members to find meaningful work. RSL programs like these are funded by Dream Home Art Union and are all thanks to people like you, our supporters.