Emma's story

I joined Aster in October 2017. I first worked within the Servicing Team and indexing was my life for about 4 months. This benefitted me as it gave me an opportunity to learn some of the systems here and, more importantly, learn about my colleagues and the culture we worked in. I had never worked in an office environment before, and I was quite nervous. I had the opportunity to work with the Hampshire Admin Team, which involved more development, more responsibility, but still on a temporary contract. I was keen to find myself a permanent position within Aster as I knew this is where I belong. 

Finally, it happened, I was successful in my application to join the Servicing Team on a permanent basis, and I was thrilled. I knew I had to work harder than I ever had before as I tried to tackle having dyslexia and working in an office environment isn’t the easiest of things (especially if you don’t declare it to your manager), I was convinced I would be held back, or I’d lose opportunities but following a particularly difficult afternoon I confessed my shame. My manager was more supportive than I ever could have dreamed of. 

Within my time here at Aster I have been through ups and downs, including being diagnosed with Bipolar disorder and Complex PTSD. Having trauma-based disabilities meant my current role wasn’t quite right for me, but I found myself applying for role which I couldn’t describe if I tried. During my interview I was asked ‘What is Governance?’ and I was sure I had failed when I couldn’t answer, but to my surprise I was successful, and I landed what would become my dream job. 

Within my role I have all the freedom and trust to be myself and learn in my own way and my own time. I have the flexibility to allow myself the compassion I need to deal with my mental health on a daily basis. Without these opportunities it would not have been possible for me to continue working for Aster. 

The Transformation Network has been phenomenal. The support received from the D&I Network, the LGBTQ+ Network, Safety First Network, and Disability Network has been invaluable. I found my voice within these networks, working along side colleagues of all stages in their career, having a say on big projects and policies, and knowing we are making a difference to our customers and colleagues is very powerful.