From financial services team manager to mum and OSJCT carer, Tara has found her calling.

When Tara had her daughter in spring 2018, she chose not to return to an office-based role in financial services and took up night-time housekeeping work to leave her free to spend time with her daughter during the day. However, Tara found the work in hospitality unfulfilling and applied to OSJCT Willowcroft for the role of Head Housekeeper. She said:

“From day one working at Willowcroft I felt happy. Since having my daughter my perspective on working changed, and when I was spending time away from her, I wanted a job that felt good. Moving to Willowcroft gave me that.

“Even working through the pandemic, it felt right to be there. It was so important for us to be there to reassure residents at times when their relatives couldn’t visit. I worked very hard as housekeeping protocols intensified, but it was worth it to keep our residents safe.”

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Tara worked at Willowcroft for almost two years, but after studying AAT accountancy qualifications she left to re-enter corporate life in May 2021. Sadly, Tara suffered an unexpected family bereavement within a week of starting her role. Her world was rocked, and she was unable to continue work at the new company.

Tara knew what to do next, she phoned up Carol, the Home Manager at the Salisbury care home, and asked if she could ‘come home’. She was immediately offered a housekeeping role and has since started taking on care shifts. Tara explained:

“I can’t sing Carol’s praises enough. She has been incredibly supportive to me over the last two years, and I am so grateful that I have returned to Willowcroft. I really feel that working in care is my calling. It gives me a warm feeling to see residents looking happy with joy shining from their eyes.”

As a carer, Tara works more directly with residents and has been learning from her colleagues, such as ways to build up trust with residents using different techniques, and that its ok to voice thoughts and ask questions. As well as being a very proficient housekeeper, Tara is growing in confidence as a carer. She said: “Being a carer has made me a better mum and being a mum makes me a better carer.”

OSJCT care homes offer career progression and when Tara’s daughter is older, she will consider working towards a care leader role. For now, Tara is happy to be working in such a fulfilling role, where the team camaraderie is strong. She said:

“After many years working in corporate roles, I’ve found that I am happier and more fulfilled as a carer working in an OSJCT care home. We are all one big family, and we look after and support each other.”