Jarkko Bovellan began his July evening shift at the Uniq flea market in Jyväskylä by vacuuming the shelves, and then moved behind the checkout counter to work. In addition to customer service and cashier duties, the job includes tasks such as maintaining the cleanliness of the premises. Jarkko, who has previously worked as a driver, says he values the job highly.
— After getting the job, I can honestly say I’m living the best time of my life. Work means so much to someone like me that it feels like winning the lottery, even though it can’t be measured in money. It’s hard to describe how amazing it feels when I can, for example, say at the shop counter that I’ve just come from work, Jarkko explains.
Being partially work-abled does not mean that a person does not want to use their remaining work ability and skills in working life.
Jarkko and Pekka Huttunen, CEO of the Uniq flea market who hired Jarkko, are both pleased with their collaboration. Focusing the work on evening shifts suited both parties well, as the flea market’s opening hours are mainly in the evening. Unlike Jarkko, not all employees prefer evening shifts in their work schedules.
Jarkko started working at the flea market through a work try-out. A work try-out is a short trial period during which a jobseeker can explore a new field and get hands-on experience with the tasks at a workplace.
— We agreed with the employer to use the one-month work try-out to see whether this job suits me and whether I suit them as an employee. Even though it might feel difficult as a jobseeker not to get a well-paid job right away, it’s still worth taking small steps forward, Jarkko encourages.
Video below in Finnish:
Openness pays off in job seeking
A person with partial work ability may need to describe their capabilities in detail to a potential employer already during the application process. Employers may have tasks that are particularly well suited to someone with a specific type of partial work ability. Unemployed jobseekers can receive support from the city’s employment services through a personal job coach.
— Many times I’ve felt like nothing will come of this, that I’m too old or that I can’t get a certain job, so is it even worth applying. Conversations with my job coach have encouraged me to keep going, even when I’ve lost faith in myself. I’ve been open about my work ability in job applications, explaining that I have a sleep-related illness. When I’ve had enough sleep, I’m fully capable of working. Being partially work-abled doesn’t mean you don’t want to use your remaining ability and skills in working life, Jarkko says.
Based on Jarkko’s experience, employers may currently be especially cautious when recruiting. He encourages employers to be more open to hiring jobseekers with partial work ability. These jobseekers are often highly motivated to work.
— I truly appreciate the opportunity to be employed. I enjoy walking through that door to work every day. I think the feeling is mutual between me and my employer, Jarkko adds with a smile.