For most of her working life, Melissa Dunn did what worked.
She spent about 15 years in fast food, balancing work while raising her kids. The hours were flexible. The work was steady. And for a long time, it fit her life.
But things changed.
After going through a major life transition, Melissa found herself ready for a fresh start — not just personally, but professionally too. With all three of her kids now in school during the day, she finally had the freedom to rethink what kind of work made sense for her next chapter.
Fast food was familiar, but the minimum wage pay was no longer enough to support her family. The idea of changing industries after 15 years felt intimidating — but Melissa decided to try.
That’s when a friend told her about Verstela.
“A friend of mine told me about Verstela and how they can help find different job options for you,” Melissa said.
Melissa chose to reach out to Verstela’s Rensselaer, IN branch where she connected with Danielle. Danielle helped her take her first step into a completely new industry, building her resume just by talking through her experience and guiding her through the process from start to finish.
“She pretty much did everything,” Melissa said. “All I had to do was come into the office.”
Within a couple of days, Melissa was working.
Her first assignment was a good opportunity, but the 12-hour shifts quickly became too much. Instead of pushing through something that wasn’t right, Melissa reached back out to Danielle to explain the situation and see if she could help.
Danielle listened — and acted quickly.
“Within a couple of days after that phone call, she got me a new job somewhere else,” Melissa said. “It was just super quick.”
That next opportunity turned out to be exactly what Melissa needed.
Today, Melissa works as a Shipping and Receiving Clerk. The role was intimidating at first because it was so different from anything she’d done before — but she’s learned new skills and enjoys the work. She was trained to operate a forklift and quickly became an important part of the operation.
What stands out most to her, though, isn’t just the job — it’s the people.
“It’s nice to go somewhere where you’re appreciated for the work that you do,” Melissa said. Her bosses greet her every morning. They say “good job.” The atmosphere feels like a team, not a pressure cooker.
The pay difference has also been life-changing. Moving from minimum wage to a career-level hourly rate has made it possible for Melissa to better support her family.
“I own my own house now. I love my job, and my kids are all happy,” she said. “Everything in my life is just better.”
Looking back, Melissa remembers how afraid she was to change careers — but making that choice turned out to be one of the best decisions she’s made.
“I was scared to make a change,” she said. “But once I did, everything started falling into place. Even when it’s uncomfortable at first, you just keep going.”
Melissa is especially grateful she didn’t have to navigate that change alone.
“Danielle was super helpful,” she said. “And when something wasn’t working, she helped me find something better.”
Her story is proof that a career change doesn’t have to be perfect on the first try — and that having the right support can make all the difference.
At Verstela, we’re proud to have helped Melissa along her journey toward something better — and even prouder to see how far she’s come.
Thinking about a change but aren’t sure where to start? Melissa’s story is a reminder that sometimes the hardest step is the first one — and it can change everything for the better.
Browse our job board and see what opportunities might be waiting for you.
