Alex Lyde

Alex Lyde looks forward to going to work every day and coming home to his wife and two young daughters energised, relaxed and fulfilled.

It’s a far cry from the 38-year old’s former career as a high-performing sales representative which he resigned from in 2019, burnt out and unfulfilled.

“On a big day as a sales rep I could change a ledger. Now even on a small day I can change a life.”

Alex is a navigator for mental health and addiction support provider Pathways. He works with individual clients in high-needs residential care transitions, literally helping them navigate their way back into society and achieve their goals.

“It’s a dream job for me, incredibly rewarding, fun and stimulating. My days are widely varied and can involve anything from going for a walk with a client to attending a court hearing to sitting down with a case manager.

“I never know quite what to expect but I do know it will be stimulating and challenging and I love that.”

Alex moved quickly into his new career, motivated to help people having seen the impact of mental illness on family and friends. After researching opportunities to work and study while earning, he approached Pathways and was offered a position as a support worker on the proviso that he’d complete his Level 4 certification within two years – which he nailed in 10 months and was promoted to navigator.

“Everything’s changed for me. I have a different mindset, much happier and calmer. Pathways is great at training and developing their staff and incredibly supportive of my life needs because my wellness is essential. It really blows my mind.

“I’m developing professionally as well as personally. Seeing the incredible changes that can happen with people I’m supporting has changed me.”

Alex is excited about developing his skills and progressing toward service relationship management and ultimately moving toward his passion, working in youth development.