RYAN Gerstenberg’s future just took a turn for the better.
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The North Nowra resident has been job hunting for almost two years, but just over one month ago his CV was one of many that passed the scrutiny of the region’s newest employer Dan Murphy’s.
When first proposed, the controversy at plans for another liquor outlet in Nowra was always weighed up against the prospect it would create about 21 local jobs.
Now as a customer service assistant with the company Mr Gerstenberg is learning the ropes and earning a living.
“I had part-time work but it just wasn’t enough hours. That’s half the battle, it’s hard to find jobs with good hours,” he said.
“Looking for work can be very hard on your morale. One week I would be pumped and motivated putting out lots of resumes.
“But then not hearing back gets you down. There is also a lot of financial stress. I reached a point where I was wondering if I had enough money for petrol to get to the job I did have.”
Mr Gerstenberg said he was aware of the region’s unemployment statistics which he said played on his mind.
“Those stats combined with days of not hearing anything back from employers made me want to leave the area,” he said.
“But I kept telling myself an opportunity would come.
“My advice to people is stick at it, keep applying for everything.
“Don’t focus on smaller businesses though, consider the big franchises because once you have a job there could be a career path within that business,” he said.
Dan Murphy’s grand opening will be held on Saturday, July 4.