After much deliberation, ‘plan B’ involved returning to study and now, aged 50, Glenn is a second-year Bachelor of Human Services and Master of Social Work student at La Trobe University’s Shepparton campus.
“I couldn’t continue in my current job in retail, so I would have had to retrain anyway,” Glenn said.
“Friends told me I was good with people and my wife Leonie is a teacher so that’s probably how I ended up here.”
Certificate IV courses in human resources, leadership and management and community services evolved into completing an 18-month Diploma of Community Services at GOTAFE.
The TAFE pathway was pivotal, Glenn said, since he hadn’t studied since graduating from Numurkah Secondary College when he was 18.
“When I finished school I didn’t think I was capable of uni study, and I suppose I was a bit of a homebody and at that time Bendigo was the closest option,” Glenn said.
“I’ve never been so nervous as my first day at uni; I thought these young kids are going to think ‘who’s this old fart’. It was really intimidating.
“That only lasted an hour though; the students and lecturers are so helpful, they’ve been awesome. I couldn’t have wished for better people, the whole of La Trobe is a real gem.”
With two adult daughters from a previous marriage, and two grandchildren, Glenn has had to learn to balance study, family and self-care.
“One of the biggest challenges for me has been time management; when I’m completing assessments and research, it’s easy to get distracted on the computer by YouTube videos,” he said.
“And I’m a perfectionist – I had to stop overthinking my assessments and just send them in. I was pretty panicky before I got my first essay back; when I got the thumbs up on that I was right and now I’m so focused.”
Trying not to put too much pressure on himself, incorporating regular exercise in his wellness routine and encouragement – as well as the occasional gentle reprimand – from wife Leonie is helping Glenn adapt to his new student lifestyle.
He believes his lived experiences of a relationship breakdown when his children were young and navigating the minefield that can come with a workplace injury has given him valuable first-hand knowledge for his chosen field.
“I can identify some of my own experiences within the course content, that’s been a bonus in helping me grasp the concepts,” Glenn said.
Making his way in a traditionally female-dominated industry hasn’t been an issue; instead he can offer a different perspective.
The course has also forced a measure of self-reflection, and Glenn said his perception of people had altered and he now looked beyond the person, to understand their situation and circumstances.
“Social work is so broad but at the moment I’m steering towards the youth and education aspects. There are so many kids disengaged from education.
“As a social worker you need to have empathy and respect, and be honest and mindful of your own opinions and beliefs.
“Every situation is different and every individual is different so you have to find the right approach so you can advocate for them.
“If I can help one kid get back on track, the hard work will be worth it.”
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