When people look at where I am today, they often assume I always wanted to work in care.
The truth is, I nearly walked away from some of the biggest opportunities I've had.
More than once, I was offered the chance to progress into a new role and turned it down because I didn't think I was ready.
Thankfully, the people around me saw something I couldn't see in myself.
Sometimes all it takes is someone believing in you before you believe in yourself.
Before joining Bluebird Care, I worked in retail. When I was made redundant, I found myself looking for a completely different direction.
I saw an advert for a care role and decided to give it a try. At the time, I wasn't looking for a career. I simply wanted a fresh start.
Very quickly, I realised I'd found work that genuinely mattered.
Supporting people to stay in their own homes, getting to know customers and their families, and seeing the difference good care can make gave me a real sense of purpose.
As my confidence grew, so did the opportunities.
I progressed from Care Professional to Supervisor before gaining experience in a care home as a Supervisor and Deputy Manager. Eventually, I returned to Bluebird Care as a Registered Manager.
Throughout my career, I've completed my Level 2, Level 3 and Level 5 qualifications in Health and Social Care, alongside leadership programmes and specialist training through the Bluebird Care Academy.
Each course gave me more confidence, but the biggest difference came from the encouragement of the managers and directors who supported me along the way.
Every opportunity to learn helped prepare me for the next step, but having people who encouraged me made all the difference.
Today, as a Registered Manager, I support both our customers and our team of Care Professionals.
I know first-hand how important it is to help people feel confident, whether that's someone receiving care in their own home or a colleague taking on a new responsibility for the first time.
One of the greatest privileges of my role is helping people remain at home for as long as possible.
Supporting someone and their family through end-of-life care is something I never take for granted. Being able to help someone spend their final days with dignity, comfort and the people they love is an honour.
Looking back, it's hard to believe how much has changed since I answered that job advert.
I never imagined that changing careers would lead me here. If I'd let my self-doubt hold me back, I would have missed opportunities that shaped the career I have today.
Watch Kate's story
Hear Kate talk about changing careers, finding her confidence in social care and how encouragement from those around her helped her progress to become a Registered Manager.
Could this be your story?
Like Kate, many of our colleagues come to Bluebird Care from completely different industries. With training, support and encouragement, they've discovered careers they never expected.
Whether you're looking for a career change or taking your first step into care, we'll help you develop the skills and confidence to grow.
Explore our latest vacancies and discover where a career with Bluebird Care could take you.
Kate Mortimer
Kate Mortimer
/
South East
