Case Study: Karen's Story

What’s the best part of your job?

Meeting amazing people, supporting individuals to live as independent a life as possible.

What’s the most challenging part of your job?

Sometimes a person may display behaviours that challenge this needs a varied approach depending on the situation.

Where did you work before you joined the care sector?

I have worked in various sectors but my last two jobs prior to this one was as an early year’s practitioner. In this role I also planned, prepared and cooked all the meals for the children in our care. Then, for the five and a half years before taking up this post I worked for Mulberry as a team leader, manufacturing luxury handbags – so this job was a complete change for me.

What skills did you learn in your old job that you could transfer across to social care?

Working in an ever-changing environment, respecting people’s individuality and varying capabilities, the need to be empathetic. 

What inspired you to change roles into social care?

I had always wanted to get into this sector and decided to undertake 10 level 2 distance learning courses to increase my knowledge across the area. I also waited until I had no dependents so I could fully commit to the change. I also liked the idea of how diverse the social care sector is and because I love to learn new skills, I am more than happy to undertake new courses to develop further.

What qualities and values to you think you need to work in social care?

Patience, empathy, a sense of humour and also to be honest and committed. 

What would you say to others interested in changing roles into adult social care?

Do it. Never allow yourself to live with the regret later in life that you never gave it a go. I never thought I could do domiciliary care but having tried it I absolutely love that.