“Within a year and a half, I climbed the ladder twice”

A career change into care

Kerry, Be Caring’s care co-ordinator, spoke to us about why a career change into care is one of the best decisions she’s ever made.

After working in retail for years to suit childcare needs, Kerry made the decision that she wanted a different career but wasn’t sure what to do.

When a job in care became available at the end of her street she was encouraged by friends that she should go for it due to her bubbly personality.

Kerry admits she was initially reluctant to go for it as she’s never done that kind of work before, but she decided to just go for it, and her happiness speaks for itself.

Four years down the line, Kerry has had two promotions and is speaking about her journey to show others that there’s opportunities to grow, develop and challenge yourself in the care sector.

Kerry’s care journey..

“I absolutely loved my job as soon as I started. I was there for nine months and I felt like I learned everything I possibly could in my time there. I really knew I wanted to progress and with Be Caring that’s something you can massively do.

“A Team Leader job came available in the office and I thought well I’ve only been with the company for nine months and I’ll not get that position, but I’m going to show that I’m willing and that progression is what I want.

“I went for an interview and got the job and I was really excited to get into the office and learn new things.

“Eight weeks later a Care Co-ordinator job came up and I think because of how hard I worked as a Team Leader they could see my potential and I went for that role and here I am four years later.

What is it like to work in care?

“It’s different every day. When I worked in a supermarket I was on the till and that’s what I did everyday and there was nothing different.

“In this industry, every day is different and you don’t know what to expect and that’s something I think I’ve really thrived on.

“What I like is that you get out there and speak to people and make that difference to them. Having someone laugh or asking is Kelly on the next shift is brilliant, it’s knowing you’re building that relationship and you’re making a difference to someone’s life and that’s really, really nice.

What traits would you say someone needs to work in care?

“You have to be a caring person and really want to make the difference, and confident too.

“Obviously some people aren’t always confident when they come to us but that does come and grow in time.

“I think you have to step out of your comfort zone and remember that you’re caring for someone’s grandma, grandad, family member and it is a massive responsibility.

“You’re responsible for medication, making sure they’re fed, they’re clean and you know that they’re happy and content too. So I definitely think you need to have the confidence to do that.

“And show you’re willing to progress because you can, you can massively progress. Within a year and a half I’ve climbed the ladder twice so if you want to do that too, you can with some hard work.”