Dec 8, 2023
This week on the Military Life Podcast, I speak with spouses Emma and Elise about their participation in Cowork Coplay, an amazing program that aims to give Defence Partners the time and space to focus on their career goals and projects, be they related to study, business, or job-hunting.
Emma and Elise went into the Cowork Coplay program, which ran in Adelaide in early 2023, with different expectations, and both walked out of the program with positive outcomes.
Emma and I spoke about;
-Why taking part in the Cowork Coplay program gave her the permission and courage to show up for herself and her goals
-The supportive and understanding environment the Cowork Coplay program creates for participants
-How the Cowork Coplay program helped her feel energised and realise she had so much to offer an employer
-Understanding the value of her skills and deciding to take her career in a new direction
-The confidence fellow participants gave her to be open to new opportunities, apply for jobs, and secure employment by the end of the program
-Connecting with support, services and the Defence community and the positive impact it had on her wellbeing
Elise and I spoke about;
-The impact her remote job was having on her well-being and setting boundaries
-How the career development sessions helped her get clarity around whether to stay in her current role or look for new opportunities
-The incredible support and understanding that was offered by fellow Cowork Coplay participants
-Being seen as more than JUST a Defence partner, setting intentions, goals and figuring out next steps to take action
-The importance of having dedicated time to focus on herself and what she needed to get career focus
-How the Cowork Coplay program helped her fall in love with her job again and see all of the positives it had to offer
As we heard from Emma and Elise’s stories, it is so important Defence Partners are supported with innovative programs like Cowork Coplay to not only support their wellbeing but also provide the time and space for professional development by combining the things that matter: meaningful work, community and family.
Cowork Coplay programs are delivered by Human Quotient Group, a veteran- and female-led Australian social enterprise. The program was created by Claire Harris, a Defence spouse, informed by feedback from the Defence community, her lived experience and professional expertise.
The good news is that the Cowork Coplay program will once again get underway in Adelaide, South Australia, thanks to the support of Veterans SA and for the first time, the Cowork Coplay program will be available in Perth, Western Australia, with the support of Navy.
To find out more information or register your interest in participating, visit the Cowork Coplay website www.coworkcoplay.com.au