Shifting careers is a life-changing decision. But Prabhat Barton from Inverness realised that it is never too late to start again if you know where to find the right support.
Prabhat now spends his working week doing not just one but three jobs after having to take early retirement from his career as a dentist due to ill health.
“I went through a period of severe illness, during which I had real problems motivating myself to do anything. I tried to do a computer course at home but found it impossible to get into it and so I gave up.
“Then my wife saw an advert in the local newspaper for an open day at Nairn Learning Centre and persuaded me to go along. I saw it as a way to get out of the house and went along and it was the best thing I could have done.
“The centre’s manager and tutors were so helpful and supportive and gave me sound advice. I could do a computer course at a time that was convenient to me in comfortable surroundings and I could take it as slowly as I wanted.
“Going to the centre gave me a reason to get up in the morning and, gradually, I became more positive. Not only was I encouraged by the progress I was making in the computer course, but I also met other learners who were very supportive.”
Prabhat now works locally as a part-time administrator, teaches English to students at Highland Theological College and is also an invigilator.