Dream Job Turns Into Reality
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Imagine being 67 years old, visually impaired, and landing the job of your dreams.
It’s hard to believe, but that’s exactly what happened to Joe Presley when Bosma’s team of Employment Specialists encouraged him to participate in Bosma’s annual Reverse Job Fair where employers visit prospective employees at their booths.
“I really wanted to work again but was afraid of ending up in a job I didn't love. When I read the names of the companies coming to the Fair, I was impressed. Then, I saw the FBI on the list and knew exactly what I wanted to do. Bosma set up the appointment with the FBI representative. We met at the Fair and just clicked. The meeting ended in a job offer,” Joe said.
It took six months to go through the adjudication process, but today Joe is gainfully employed. “You wouldn’t believe the amount of people it takes to support our field agents. I’m thrilled to be one of them,” he said.
Joe comes from a family who believes in hard work and service to your country and community. Many have been in the armed forces and it’s not surprising he dreamt of serving, too. Unfortunately, back issues kept him from service. “I’ve always wanted to do something for my country. Now, I feel that in some way, I am,” he said.
Joe's vision loss journey didn't begin until he was in his 40s. He was married, had a family, and a good job. Driving to work one day he felt something in his left eye. When it worsened, he went to an optometrist who believed it could be idiopathic neuropathy. The doctor predicted he would lose vision in his right eye, as well. He was devastated.
Fortunately, the disease progressed slowly, allowing Joe to work and earn a good living through most of his career. Joe also spent a lot of time coaching and umping baseball with the youth in his community, a pastime he loved. By 2016, his vision was degrading. His right eye was now worse than his left.
He was referred to the Low Vision Center of Indiana where counselors suggested he go on disability, but Joe wanted no part of giving up work. They supplied him with a DaVinci monitor, optic driving glasses, and other assistive devices which helped on the job. But, by 2021 he felt it was time to retire and go on disability.
“I was depressed and didn’t think I was employable anymore. I wanted to go back to work but needed to do something I believed in.
“It didn’t take long to know I couldn’t stand not working. I was done with retirement,” he said. He had heard about Bosma’s Employment Services and finally decided to call.
Bosma’s employment specialists worked with Joe on creating an effective updated resume, brushing up his computer skills, and teaching him how to use new assistive devices. “They coached me and encouraged me and rooted for me. I spent 13 weeks learning how to navigate my blindness. I learned a lot about myself and my abilities – not disabilities.