Shop manager to carer: Kerry's story
'Fantastic' and 'so rewarding' are the words Kerry uses to sum up her new career.
Kerry has been with OSJCT for just seven months and already she feels like part of the family. As was the case for many people, 2020 was a challenging time for Kerry and losing her job as a shop manager of a deli gave her the opportunity to re-evaluate her career.
Kerry said: “I’d just done a Diploma in Hospitality Management and unfortunately lost my job due to COVID-19. I saw there were loads of vacancies in Care. I thought it was my turn to give something back so I went for it, and I’ve loved it every day since so it was definitely the right move.”
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Working at Digby Court in Lincolnshire, Kerry is delighted to be able to use some of the people skills from previous roles in retail, hospitality and customer service. She is also excited to be learning new skills.
“I think the perception of the Carer’s role is very underrated. You see everywhere that carers are underpaid and they don’t have a specific skill set and in fact that’s not the case. It’s not just about personal care and assisting with food, there’s so much more to the job. It’s fantastic and it’s so rewarding. It’s not what I thought it was going to be and there is so much more that carers do.”
While the idea that no two days are ever the same might sound clichéd, Kerry has discovered that working in the Care industry with OSJCT, it really is true.
“It’s a bit like being a butterfly, flitting from room to room making a difference to each person, whether it’s with personal care or whether you’re just having a conversation.”
For Kerry, working at Digby Court has offered her the chance to learn new skills, but also to use skills she already had, and some that she never thought she would use in a work environment.
“I’ve done some floristry bits over Christmas, like the wreath on the front door, garlands, residents’ birthday presents – it’s all giving me the chance to bring my hobby into my work place – there’s lots of opportunities here.”
Starting any new job can be daunting, especially during these strangest of times but Kerry’s story is one of positivity. She would encourage anyone thinking about a career in care to consider OSJCT.
“Everyone at the Trust has been very professional, and if there’s ever been a problem, they’ve dealt with it. Covid is ever changing but they’re very adaptable and open to change, communication is very good. We get very good support, and there’s been lots of investment in PPE.”