Why I work in care: advice and inspiration from people in the sector

I came into care as I wanted to do something where I felt I could make a difference, and I would meet people from an eclectic mix of backgrounds. Our role is all about relationships and it’s a great honour and privilege when families let us be a part of that.

It's a challenging role at times but there’s always a positive. When I look back over the years, I’ve had the most wonderful experiences with the people I support, they never fail to amaze me with their strength and resilience. I’ve had the most fun times because they and me can just be who we are. I have given and received compassion and love, this can never be taken away from us.

Best job in the world. Great to help people and their families through tough times. Much more laughter than people understand who don’t work in the field. Everyone has a unique story and experience to share.

I love my job as a personal assistant, what a rewarding job knowing you’re making someone so happy. Not many can say they love going to work, but I can honestly say I don’t look at it as work because my role as a personal/healthcare assistant makes me so happy seeing a smile first thing in the morning as the people I support know they’re getting up and having a smile back.

Being a part of someone else's life and learning about who they are as they build up trust in me is the most privileged part of my job. Being the person that’s trusted to have extremely personal information shared with, being the person that offers a reassuring hug when a person feels upset or like they can no longer go on, being the person that brings out a smile on someone's face or sharing uncontrollable laughter at a shared joke. Enjoying a good chat with someone in my care or just sitting quietly in the moment with a person. It's being prepared for whatever might happen in a day and feeling such pride when small actions of help make a massive difference to someone else's life.

I don’t work directly in care, rather I help to arrange the training for carers and family. It’s the best job I’ve ever had and no day is the same.

My honest opinion is that caring means everything. It’s in no way a job you can do well unless you love it. Having the right value base will mean you’re in a role you very much belong in and it can offer you so much if you work for it, and that doesn’t just stop at job satisfaction! You have no idea how much you mean to the people you support, and you need to make sure you have their best interest at heart so never ignore your gut if you feel something isn’t right. Listen to your service users, they have some incredible stories to tell and take time to hear it. Allow all opportunities possible for active participation, have an open and honest attitude with a compassionate approach. Care is a highly-skilled job and you’re valued beyond measure. For me in my role now it’s about ensuring that care staff have the skills and experience to keep vulnerable people safe, healthy and well looked after while developing their own strengths. I will never leave the care sector, it’s where I belong. You can make someone’s day, every day. What’s not to love about that?!

My job is a privilege. I get to make a difference, not only to my residents’ lives, but also to their families’ and my entire team’s lives. My advice would be, it’s a huge important career, you can move up the ladder, but never be afraid of putting your flats back on and providing that first-hand care that taught us to love the job so much in the first place.

I care. I care about me. I care about how I feel, if I’m too hot, too cold, hungry, tired, frustrated, unwell, in pain, exacerbated, discombobulated, lonely, overwhelmed, sad, depressed. I care about if my needs are met. I never stop caring, turns out it's not just about me, it’s about everyone. Caring is a leadership quality, it promotes change. If you’re a caring person, you’re a leader, and we need leaders more than ever now!

Making a genuine difference to the lives of others - makes it all worthwhile.