5 Things to Expect From Your First Job in Care
For newcomers to the working world or those looking for a career change, the care industry is certainly a unique, yet attractive one. Unlike most jobs, one in care will often see qualification and previous experience requirements replaced by that of a positive attitude and kind values. Whilst this direct path to career progression is attractive, it also means that you’ll be diving straight into the deep end, which means you’ll want to be aware of these 5 things to expect from your first job in care.
1. It’s physically and mentally demanding
Let’s get the obvious, and less glamorous side of care out of the way first; it is hard work. Anybody who has worked in this industry will tell you that both the physical tasks you’ll undertake, and the responsibility of being source of emotional strength can be tiring to say the least.
It’s likely that you’ll already be aware of a carer’s duties to look after personal hygiene, assist with various wellbeing activities, and other conduct other physical tasks, but it’s important to also consider the emotional commitments you’re making by taking on the role. Giving companionship to clients, supporting distressed family members, and dealing with the fact that the bonds you make won’t last forever requires a level of resilience that means that care work isn’t for everybody.
2. It’s incredibly rewarding
Whilst care work is laborious and oftentimes draining, make no mistake in thinking that it is without reward. Helping to enhance the quality of life of those that need it most is an incredibly pride-inducing career, and one that has those within the industry feeling privileged on a daily basis.
Heading home at the end of a shift and knowing that you’ve made a difference each and everyday is a sense of gratification that is difficult to find elsewhere, but a feeling that everybody should strive to achieve in their careers. When you begin your first job in care, you’ll realise just how important you can be in the lives of countless people, which is a huge reason as to why many carers never leave.
3. No 2 days will be the same
With many jobs taking on a formulaic and repetitive nature, finding a career that keeps you interested day-to-day is something that many of us may struggle to do. Fortunately, this will never be the case with care work!
The people-focused nature of care work means that you can never be 100% sure what you may need to do, the conversations you may have, or what environment you may find yourself in from one hour to the next. Granted, if this is your first job in care, then you can expect to be overwhelmed by this unpredictable nature, but weeks, months, and years down the line, you’ll certainly be grateful of the constantly changing pace to keep things interesting.
4. Learning on the job
As previously mentioned, one of the biggest draws to the care industry is the ability to step straight onto the career ladder and begin your progression at day one. However, that means that when it comes to your first job in care, you should be prepared for lots of learning on the job.
The environment that you’ll find yourself working in may be overwhelming at first, but there is no better way to learn than to do! You’re bound to make mistakes, even veterans of the job get things wrong sometimes, but practical learning is a surefire way to develop your skills rapidly.
As you work and learn, there is usually the opportunity to progress towards earning qualifications, all whilst earning a salary. This means that you can develop professionally, bolster your CV, open doors to your future, all whilst getting paid!
5. It’s an incredibly social job
The nature of care work means that it is a fundamentally social career to be in. You'll find yourself in countless interesting conversations with clients and their families as you get to know them, but the relationships don’t stop there. The day to day tasks that you’ll perform with your coworkers mean that strong bonds are formed in a blink of an eye as you find yourself quickly becoming part of a caring and social team.
As an entry-level worker, it’s normal to see the social interaction that comes with your first job in care as daunting, but what better way to develop your interpersonal skills than with a job that relies on your ability to interact?
All in all, it takes a special type of person to commit their time and energy to others, but with that said, the list of personal and professional benefits within care work is both attractive and extensive. If this article has helped to prepare you on what you should expect from your first job in care, then why not let us help you find that role?