GoodOaks News | 13 January 2025

How it started – A career in care

Operations coordinator Nicole shares her experience on how she started a career in care and how much she is enjoying her role with us at GoodOaks. In this short interview we find out more about her and what she loves about being a member of our team.

How it started - A career in care

Why did you decide to start a career in care?

It was around the time that I left college at the beginning of COVID. It wasn’t a planned career move but rather a role I fell into because I wanted to be out working rather than staying at home or continuing in education. My aunty had been a carer for over 10 years, and in 2019, I decided to join her company.

What was your first role in care like?

I began as a carer on the road, not driving and using public transport to travel to and from my clients. It was challenging at first, but it was also incredibly rewarding. Prior to joining care, I had struggled a lot with my mental health. Surprisingly, this role helped me in many aspects of my personal life. I gained confidence and developed strong communication skills.

There were days when I felt like staying in bed, but I knew my clients depended on me to start their day. That sense of responsibility gave me purpose and a reason to wake up every morning. I fell in love with caring because it never felt like work. Even though there were daily challenges, they were always outweighed by the reward of seeing a client become independent or live their life how they wanted with my support.

How has your career progressed since then?

I’ve worked my way up in the care industry, taking every opportunity to learn and grow. After starting as a carer, I moved into supervising. This role gave me valuable insight into how care is arranged, scheduled, and managed. It also allowed me to collaborate with other health professionals to ensure my clients received the best care possible.

Later, an opportunity arose to work in internal recruitment at my previous company, and I embraced it. My experience as a carer for two years gave me a strong understanding of the qualities needed in a great carer. This helped me guide and support new recruits effectively.

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What have you learned from your various roles in care?

Each role has taught me something new. For example, I tried coordinating for a while, which wasn’t a perfect fit for me, but it gave me another chance to expand my skills and knowledge.

Every position has added to my understanding of the care industry and made me a better professional. I’ve learned how to manage care effectively, work with a variety of people, and tackle challenges head-on.

What’s your experience been like working with GoodOaks?

Since joining GoodOaks, I’m pleased to say that I’ve found a company that truly cares about both its clients and staff. I’m now working on the support side of the business, which has been an exciting new chapter for me. I’m looking forward to learning more and discovering new opportunities to grow within the company. The office team is really supportive and there is an opportunity to learn new things all the time.

What keeps you motivated in your career?

The knowledge that I’m making a real difference in people’s lives keeps me motivated. Whether it’s helping a client regain independence or supporting a new carer to succeed, the rewards are immense. I’m excited for the future and eager to see where this journey takes me next.

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