HOW I BECAME AN AGED CARE WORKER
12 months ago I was in a secure well paid – cushy job – I HATED IT!
It was boring everyday – I had to travel on Plenty Rd for an hour each day to get there and another hour to get home.
But what was I to do – I applied for heaps of positions to finally get this cushy well paid job.
What should I do?
Look for job closer to home, to cut out the travel?
Would I still be bored with the work in a new job?
So I did a big brainstorming exercise.
Who am I?
What makes me happy?
What makes me feel good/worthwhile?
I CHOSE AGED CARE
I HAD SO MANY QUESTIONS THOUGH
How was I going to get there?
It meant going back to school
It meant leaving my secure cushy well paid job
It meant going on the dole
How were we going to survive?
Would I like it when I got there?
Would I get a job in aged care?
I left my job and did the usual run around with Centrelink interviews and questions
I was still required to look for work
How was this going to work?
There was an answer and it was volunteering
I spent my time while studying as a volunteer here at the Community House, so I did not have to look for work
Study was new for me as I had not been to school for a while. However Kevin is a great teacher. He tells it how it is. He does not give you the answer, he challenges your being and who you are. WHAT DO REALLY THINK? WHO ARE YOU?
Colleen is also one of the tutors and her experience is in Lifestyle activities in aged care. She inspired me to study further and do Certificate IV in Leisure and Health which I am now studying.
My placement was at a local aged care facility in Whittlesea
Near the end of my placement I was offered a Casual position and I can pick up as many shifts as I like as a PCA
My employer is also supporting me with Leisure and Health and I am employed also as a leisure and health assistant.
Do I enjoy my role in aged care?
A big YES!
Is it challenging? – Certainly
Is it rewarding? – More than I ever thought it would be
I AM AN AGED CARE WORKER AND PROUD OF IT!
(Speech from Certificate III in individual Support Whittlesea Graduation 2017)