How I got into health and social care
Rose Mabiza • 6 mins read
29 September 2023
When we think of carers or health and social care workers, we tend to think of those working in hospitals, care homes and other clinical or care settings. However, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), over 5 million people aged five and over provide unpaid care to a loved one in England and Wales (ONS, 2021).
In this article, I discuss how I began my journey as a child carer, mother, and, eventually, a paid care worker. I’ll talk about how many women are thrust into this position, not out of their own will but through life circumstances.
Until I started getting paid for it, I didn’t consider caring for others a job - it came naturally to me. In fact, it was also expected of me.
How did you get into health and social care?
"How do you get into the health and social care sector?" This is a question many people have asked since I wrote my first blog. However, my career path is unconventional. The skills I gained from childhood and living with strong women prepared me for a career in the care sector.
Growing up, we were expected to look after our siblings. Back then, I was unaware of how these simple tasks would pave the way for my future career in the health and social care sector. All I knew was that I helped my mother, aunties and grandmothers. I also didn't realise they were passing on these critical skills to prepare me for a life I hadn't imagined.
Looking after my siblings and relatives became a responsibility, making me a young carer. These experiences have helped me with many things, including:
- Taking care of my own family
- Pursuing my career goals
- Being a good carer and mother.
Caring for my loved ones
I have always cared about those around me. Growing up in a household where everyone's needs were cared for by others, I became accustomed to being responsible for everyone. It has always been my nature to ensure everyone's needs are met.
My involvement with people with disabilities started in primary school. I assisted my mother in caring for my younger sister, who was born with learning and physical disabilities. I also helped care for my two younger siblings and grandparents.
Despite my struggles, I look back with gratitude. My family taught me what it means to be accountable for someone else's welfare. I'm forever grateful for the experiences that helped me become a health and social care professional.
Being a carer and mother
I already had my own family when I studied in college and university. I needed to multitask to support my growing family. My husband and I are blessed with two handsome boys. However, our second child has an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). My experience caring for my disabled sister allowed me to care for my child well. His condition motivates me to care better for others in a similar situation.
Being a mother and a carer fulfils my calling to care for others. I know how challenging it can be to juggle many responsibilities and manage your needs. We have so much on our plates that it can sometimes be overwhelming.
Through my experience, I have balanced my life as a mother and carer. I note some things that will help me stay organised, on top of things, and maintain my sanity. This is in spite of a variety of demands on my time.
Pursuing my career in health and social care
I have always tried to make a difference in my family's life by providing much-needed support and care. So, I knew what I wanted to do. My genuine passion for caring for people led me to pursue my BSc. Hons. Health and Social Care studies.
My love and passion for caring for others and dedication to this field inspired me to pursue an education and career path in health and social care. However, due to life circumstances, I couldn't continue my studies to become a nurse. However, I didn't stop caring. My boys and family needed me, and I naturally returned to my original role - being an unpaid but fulfilled carer.
Conclusion
I didn't realise this would be one of my most personal blog posts. In my second blog, I discussed how difficult it was to write my first blog. However, sharing how rewarding and challenging being a mother and carer is with my readers is fulfilling. I'm starting to enjoy sharing my experiences and feel encouraged by the many women who identify with my story.
I got into the care sector because it was my calling from a young age. It was also what was expected of me as a young woman. Regardless of our career choices, we were expected to care for others first and foremost, even after a long day's work elsewhere. I'm forever grateful for those early experiences.
I hope my story inspires and motivates you to embark on a career path you are passionate about that will help you maximise your full potential.
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References and resources
Office for National Statistics (2021) - Unpaid care, England and Wales: Census 2021.
References and resources
Office for National Statistics (2021) - Unpaid care, England and Wales: Census 2021.