How BREAKOUT Helped Karol Find Confidence In His Future

Karol pictured with BREAKOUT Founder Roman Dibden. (3rd August 2026)

"BREAKOUT is different from the hundreds of motivational speeches and sessions delivered by a 'millionaire at 18' entrepreneur trying to sell a product. BREAKOUT feels genuine. It is delivered with passion and provides an authentic environment where you can hear perspectives from people who have been in relatable situations and can give tailored advice that supports you take control of your future. It isn't just a fleeting moment either. It builds a community that you'll always have in your corner." - Karol, Future Focus Participant

Just a few months ago, Karol felt like he was standing still. After leaving college, he began looking for employment and eventually secured an apprenticeship, hoping it would mark the beginning of his career. Instead, the role left him feeling unhappy, uncertain and questioning what he wanted for his future. Karol was struggling with his mental health and knew the apprenticeship was not the right fit, but he felt ashamed about leaving.

I was unsure what made me tick in a role or what other jobs were out there.

Karol's hobbies included many creative outlets, but he wasn't certain these interests could translate to employment opportunities, and how they made him unique.

Without the support and guidance he needed, every new opportunity felt like a risk. Staying in a role that made him unhappy seemed easier than stepping into the unknown. That began to change when Karol's college tutor encouraged him to step out of his comfort zone and take part in BREAKOUT's July Future Focus Programme. Karol was initially unsure. He had attended events before that felt cliched or disconnected from the realities young people were facing, and he expected BREAKOUT to be much the same.

I didn't really have many expectations. I usually find events cliched or uninteresting, so I thought it would be the same here.

Instead, Karol found an environment where he felt listened to.

Through personalised mentoring, honest conversations and regular follow-ups, BREAKOUT gave Karol the space to reflect on what mattered to him and what he wanted from his future. He began rebuilding his confidence and reconnecting with the hobbies and interests he had previously overlooked. Meeting other young people facing similar challenges also helped him realise that he was not alone in feeling uncertain.

The support has been amazing. Roman wants everyone to succeed. The follow-ups are consistent.

That consistent support became a turning point. Rather than focusing only on what had gone wrong, Karol began to recognise what was still possible. He learned that opportunities can appear at any stage of life and that asking for support is not something to be ashamed of.

There are people willing to help you no matter what point you are at in life. It is not the end, and you shouldn't stress as much.

Karol also discovered how much he enjoys working with people, speaking publicly and sharing his perspective with others. What once had felt intimidating became something he could genuinely imagine pursuing in the future. He was no longer thinking about finding just any job. He was beginning to think about finding a career that was right for him. Before joining BREAKOUT, Karol admins that he would often have turned down new opportunities because he was afraid of losing the security of a job, even one he did not enjoy. He saw change as a sign that he had failed. Now, his perspective has shifted. When a new opportunity arises, he is more likely to feel excited than afraid. He no longer automatically avoids change. Instead, he sees each new experience as an opportunity to learn, grow and move closer to a career that suits him. Looking back, Karol believes BREAKOUT gave him more than career guidance. It gave him confidence, a sense of community and the reassurance that he did not have to navigate his future alone. When asked what he would say to another young person considering joining a BREAKOUT programme, his answer was simple:

If you want to break out of your shell, or you're looking for support that's personal, BREAKOUT is for you. There aren't many opportunities where you get this kind of support, and it's making a real difference for me.

Why Karol's Story Matters

Karol's journey shows how personalised support, consistent encouragement and genuine relationships can help young people overcome uncertainty and build confidence in themselves and their futures.

At BREAKOUT, every young person is supported to recognise their strengths, explore what is possible and take control of their next steps. Because no young person should have to navigate their future alone. -------------------------------------

This story was researched and written up by Michaela and Amber who are currently on a summer placement with BREAKOUT.