But what if you realise the sector you're working in isn't working for you? What might it look like to begin a career that really makes you feel like part of something larger, where your unique talents are appreciated?
Well, that was the story for Jon, whose career journey took a completely unexpected path when he decided to leave his job in retail and construction to join the adult social care sector. In his role as a care coordinator he has built a career on people, purpose and connection, and he wouldn’t change a thing.
Meet Jon
Before becoming a care coordinator Jon tried out a few career paths simultaneously, trying to get a feel for what he might love. At the same time, Jon spent half the week working in retail, and the other half of the week working in construction. It was an experimental time for Jon, and he was good at what he did, but he couldn’t ignore the nagging feeling that he hadn’t found his calling just yet.
When Jon went looking for alternatives, he realised he didn’t have to look much further than his family, who previously worked in care. Jon approached his mum to ask for her advice, who told him “you might love it, go ahead and try it.” Jon took a leap of faith and became part of a team, in a new role supporting adults with learning disabilities.
“I tried it and never looked back!” He said.
Finding His Place in Care
One of the best parts of starting his career in care for Jon was how much of a sense of belonging it gave him. Instead of being a small cog in a very big wheel - which he had sometimes felt in other jobs - Jon now found himself in a family-run business, which he said, “felt very grassroots.”
Now when Jon goes to work, he’s an important part of a team and gets to work somewhere he’s known, recognised and appreciated.
Here, Jon is known for his empathy, patience and strong work ethic, which have helped him build trust with residents, who he supports on a day-to-day basis.
A Day at as a Care Coordinator
So what does Jon’s day to day life as a Care Coordinator entail?
As Jonathan’s key worker, Jon’s role involves anything from organising Jonathan’s day to day life, from appointments and shopping trips to holidays and days out.
He manages communication between Jonathan and his family, takes him on trips to places like the cinema, or to London for the day.
How Jon’s Career Has Progressed
When Jon first began his career in adult social care he admits that was nervous about getting it right.
“For the first four months it was challenging, because you have to learn so much.”
But once he’d settled in, completed his training and built good relationships with the residents, “everything clicked”, and Jon began to trust that he was doing an amazing job.
“Being that new person is really hard, but once you get through that period, you suddenly become part of their family.“
And the best part? Jon gets to leave his work each day feeling genuinely fulfilled.
“I came home one day and realised: this is actually amazing what I do, that I get to support these people.” he said.
Jon takes particular pride in being a male carer, which he says is still an underrepresented group in the care industry, and he wishes more men would consider it.
"For me it's been amazing,” he said. “There aren't many men that work in the sector, but residents do need both males and females supporting them."
Getting to be a positive male role in the lives of his residents - on top of the day-to-day joy he experiences as a carer - has brought Jon career fulfillment like no other.
More Than Just a Job
“The thing that I find most enjoyable about my role is being able to support the residents to go out and do meaningful activities in the community,” he said.
“The importance of working in care is that your day to day job isn’t always in the care home, helping them with the normal routines of life, it’s when you go out and do those special occasions offsite which make it extra enjoyable and fun for them.
“You see it on their faces, when they light up and they’ve had an amazing time.”
And Jon isn’t just helping his residents with day to day tasks, he’s encouraging their independence and celebrating their wins, no matter how small.
“Jon is known for going above and beyond his role all the time,” his team explained.
If a resident is having a bad day, Jon’s superpower is bringing them back to their happy place.
“Most of the residents go to him if they’ve got a problem because he’s so calm and he feels like home, really.” his team explained.
The Bigger Picture and Outro with Care Quiz CTA
Stories like Jon’s reflect how multifaceted a career in care can be; practical, emotional, challenging and deeply rewarding. So if you’re reading Jon’s story and wondering if a career in care might be for you, look no further.
No career in care looks the same and everyone brings something unique to caring, whether your strength is empathy, patience, organisation, humour, or resilience. So, whatever qualities you bring to the table - there’s a place for you.
So what kind of care worker could you be?
Take the Care Quiz to find out
Thomas Thorn