The Challenges of Caring - and Your Career
When it comes to caring for our loved ones, we will do anything to provide them with the best care they can get. Often however this responsibility falls on to a few key individuals, maybe even just one person, and the challenges that come with such a responsibility are wearing both physically and emotionally. Late night phone calls, visits to prepare meals, managing appointments and medication, ordering the grocery shopping – eventually, the burden can become too much to bear. Should you investigate Live-In Care? Would you loved one be better cared for in a care home? Would hourly visits from carers be sufficient? Should you quit your job to provide the care required? If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed at the thought of it all, rest assured that there is help and guidance available to help you make the best decision. By balancing their own careers with the care needs of their loved one, many people have been able to pursue their own goals while still supporting the individual they love so deeply.
You Don’t Have to Quit Your Career!
As your care responsibilities increase, you may feel an unnecessary pressure to give your job and career and everything you’ve worked for. The truth is, you have a right to work. Juggling work and care is not an easy one but there are over five million working carers in the UK right now – you are not alone in your struggle! You are covered by both statutory rights and contractual rights which allow you the freedom to request changes to your work pattern as the need arises. As an employee you have the right to request flexible working and employers can only reject such requests with a sound business reason. Additionally, employers cannot discriminate against a person who has caring responsibilities. If you are seriously considering quitting your job, or perhaps retiring early, to care for a loved one, take the time to consider all the pros and cons of the decision. Even if you don’t need the work financially, there is the social aspect of the work to consider and how cutting off from that could affect your mental health. Furthermore, if you need to find work again in the future, it may be harder to do so after a period of employment or if you are reaching the age of retirement.
There Are Other Options Out There!
You don’t have to carry the weight of caring on your own. In fact, it’s crucial to establish a reliable support system so that not only is your loved one cared for, but you are too. With the help of local authorities and charities, you can investigate the options regarding home-based support which would allow for the needs of your loved one to be met while they maintain their independence and the responsibility doesn’t rest entirely on your shoulders. By having a care assessment done by your local council, the needs of your loved one can be fully decided upon, and you can be supported as you choose the option of care that’s best for your loved one, you and the whole family.
Getting Back to Work After Caring
Returning to the world of work after taking time off to provide care is no easy feat. The thought of jumping back into employment can feel daunting, but again there are several resources available to help you. Think about your skills and interests and see if there’s a job or career path that will fit with those. Maybe you can see this as a good opportunity to try something new and embark on a training course that opens up a whole new field of work. Whatever path you take, remember you are not taking it on your own.
