If you’re considering a career in care, you might be wondering if you have what it takes. The good news is that, if you are a compassionate person motivated by helping others, you probably do.
The great thing about a career in care, which many do not realise, is that you do not usually need any specific qualifications to get started. You’ll receive all the necessary training to do the job well, and you’ll even have the chance to gain qualifications as you go.
This is why care is such a popular area for career-switchers – there are so many transferable skills you will develop in other jobs that make you perfect for a role in care. It’s also an excellent option for young people at the beginning of their career path.
What are the skills needed to work in care?
You must have a drive to help others and a generally positive outlook on life. Working in care involves helping people deal with difficult situations in dignity and comfort, and a smile goes far. A sense of humour is a must as well.
Patience and adaptability are important, too. Working in care is never boring, and things can change quickly, so if you can stay calm and think on your feet you’re already on your way to success.
Good communication skills are essential for a care worker. You’ll need to be able to interact effectively with those in your care, as well as their family and friends, and your colleagues.
Problem solving is a great ability you might have developed elsewhere that will come in handy for care. Every person you will look after will have unique needs, so being a brilliant carer involves creativity and being able to think outside the box.
Resilience is a highly-valued life skill, that a job in care will help you to develop. Increased resilience will benefit you, both in your role and in other areas of your life.
Is care a good career?
There is so much variety when it comes to care – more than most people think. Do you love to work in a team, learning from others? A care role in a residential facility would be perfect.
Or do you thrive in a quieter environment, developing strong one-on-one relationships? You’ll love working in domiciliary care.
The flexible nature of care means you can always make it work for you. Have other commitments? Shift work will let you structure your time appropriately.
Many people move to work in care because it offers a refreshing change from the nine-to-five grind of other jobs. Working in care is an active, exciting career that offers plenty of opportunity for progression.
Whatever your specialist skills, if you want a career that gives you genuine job satisfaction, consider care. It’s not always easy, but it’s never dull, and there are few other walks of life in which you make such a meaningful difference on a day-to-day basis.