Debbie Spacko’s story starts like many Americans: in April 2020, she was furloughed from her job as a customer service representative.
“In the first couple of months of the pandemic, everyone was hoping things would get better. I was on unemployment, I could survive, but not really live, and it was very scary,” she said. “When it became obvious things weren’t going to change, while I knew I wasn’t ready to look for a new job, I decided I couldn’t just sit there all day.”
Spacko started looking into networking groups and opportunities for her to improve her skills to prepare for a potential career change.
“Through networking, I learned a lot about myself and what I wanted in a career, and I feel like a totally different person after attending,” she said. “There was always something I could take from hearing other people’s stories and words of encouragement. You never know where networking will take you.”
Networking soon led Spacko to the Addison Public Library’s job seeker services in the fall of 2020 after the library’s resources were shared at an event. She signed up for the Getting Addison Back to Work program, a series of online workshops that the library had launched with the support of a grant from Google and the Public Library Association and connected with the library’s Business Services Specialist Lesley Cyrier for more resources.
“It was really nice to feel like people were there for me when things were rough. Lesley kept in touch with me and told me about things that were going on and was really helpful in getting me what I needed,” she said. “The library changed my whole perspective, not only on me, but on what I want to do and where I’m at now. The library helped me move forward.”
Discovering the People’s Resource Center
After the Getting Addison Back to Work series concluded, Spacko continued attending library workshops, including one presented by the People’s Resource Center (PRC), which sparked a new chapter in her life. After completing a Microsoft Office Specialist certification through the PRC, she joined their team of volunteer teachers.
“Volunteering with the People’s Resource Center has been very rewarding,” she said. “It’s so nice to be able to help people. I can’t believe that just one thing I did at the Addison library led me to something I enjoy so much.”
After several months of skill-building, networking, and volunteering, Spacko was called back from furlough in July 2021. After seven months back at work, she decided to pursue the next step in her career and apply for job in her company’s sales department.
“When I applied, I was one step ahead because I didn’t have to think about how I was going to interview or what I was going to say because of all the practice I’ve had and the people that helped me along the way,” she said. “I felt very empowered, and my company was impressed with how I kept myself busy during the pandemic to work on my skills.”
Spacko’s hard work paid off: her interview went well, and she got the sales position.
“I feel very blessed for all the people I met and all the help I got,” she said. “It’s crazy to think that the dominos fell in just the right places.”
Spacko hopes that other job seekers can learn something from her story and get the job search help they need.
“I think it’s important for people to know there are resources out there, and that the Addison library is one that can help. And it’s free! I’ve taken advantage of [library services] multiple times, and I wouldn’t be where I am without all that,” said Spacko. “Just take a chance. Take that first step. It can be uncomfortable to take that first step or to admit that you need a little assistance, but it pays off in the long run.”
Job seeker services at the Library
The Addison Public Library is located at 4 Friendship Plaza in Addison. Job seeker services are available at the library year-round. For more information, visit addisonlibrary.org/services or contact Business Services Specialist Lesley Cyrier at [email protected] or 630-458-3304.
The Getting Addison Back to Work Series will return in Feb. and Mar. of 2022 thanks to a grant from the Illinois State Library and will begin with a Kick-Off Celebration on Feb. 20, in which attendees can get a free LinkedIn headshot and meet other community organizations that support job seekers. All Getting Addison Back to Work events are free and open to all; registration is required. Learn more and sign up at addisonlibrary.org/Addison-works.
This story was submitted by the Addison Public Library.
