From hospitality & call centre via interior design to health and safety: Megan's career pathway

I started working in care when I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted my life to go in, but I knew that if there was anything I could do, it was to make a difference to others.  

I started working as a support worker, supporting two gentlemen who required a little extra support with daily living. This was a massive eye opener for me. Both gentlemen were nonverbal, but as the trust grew, it made my heart warm knowing that even  though I didn’t initially think much of the role, I was really making a difference to their day.  As I gained more experience, I started support people who were more mobile and able to communicate verbally, which just made me even more passionate about what I could do to support them to be as independent as possible and improve their lives. 

I then moved into a health and safety role within social care due family commitments but still have some involvement with people we support by seeing them at the day centres on visits and my role is still about supporting people to be safe by making sure everything is compliant!

It is great to still be recognised by people I have previously supported. I enjoy hearing about their days and what they’re up to now, it makes both of us smile. I was able to complete my NVQ Level 2 whilst working as a support worker which really helped my knowledge and I am now completing my degree in special educational needs alongside working, with full support from my manager. Understanding what they like and don’t like, what they enjoy doing and being a friendly face who helps them do these things. It isn’t just a job – you’re responsible for someone else’s life whilst you’re on shift, whether that be administering medication or knowing what to do in an event of an emergency so it’s important you fully understand everything that person needs from you whilst you’re supporting them.

I think one of the biggest misconceptions of working in care is that people don’t realise how much of a difference you can make to someone’s life, by just doing the littlest of things and being understanding. 

I would say to someone who’s just starting out in care like I was, it just to keep an open mind. We work with people, people change constantly meaning adaptions are always going to be needed. If you get the opportunity to expand your knowledge by doing a qualification – do it. Knowledge is power, and the more you know, the better equipped you are to remove the barriers ithat people we support face on a day-to-day basis.

For someone who has no additional needs you don’t see what challenges people who need extra support face, however once you’re exposed to it – something clicks and you want to do everything you can to remove it for them, to make their life better.

But we’re human and everyone makes mistakes, no-one is perfect and you will have all the support you need from managers to help correct any mistakes you make or check any uncertainties you have. There are plenty of opportunities to progress and to have continued involvement with the customers. No day is the same, which to me is a bonus because you’re constantly on your toes and can’t get complacent.

It’s the making a difference that counts, which you can do from every level in social care. Caring people, supporting people. It really does change your outlook on life. Well, it did for me anyway!

To read more about Megan's career, click here.